AICAR, 50 mg

A small molecule supplied by STEMCELL Technologies, AICAR is an adenosine analog that selectively activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK functions as a metabolic sensor that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism, helping to maintain cellular energy homeostasis and protect against metabolic stress. By activating AMPK, AICAR inhibits lipid synthesis in hepatocytes and glucose uptake in adipocytes.

Also known as Acadesine, AICA Riboside, or NSC 105823, the compound has the chemical name 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (CAS 2627-69-2), a molecular formula of C₉H₁₄N₄O₅, a molecular weight of 258.2 g/mol, and is supplied as a crystalline solid with a purity of ≥ 98%. The product is stable at -20°C as supplied, should be protected from prolonged exposure to light, and remains stable for 12 months from the date of receipt. Reported solubility limits are ≤ 9 mM in PBS (pH 7.2), ≤ 75 mM in DMSO, and ≤ 3 mM in absolute ethanol; to prepare a 10 mM stock solution in DMSO, resuspend 10 mg in 3.87 mL of fresh DMSO, and avoid a final DMSO concentration above 0.1% in cell culture due to potential cell toxicity.

Published applications include upregulation of the pluripotency network genes Klf4, Klf2, Nanog, Oct4, Myc, and Sox2 and inhibition of retinoic acid-induced differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells, promotion of osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and mesenchymal stem cells, and induction of astroglial differentiation in neural stem cells. The product is hazardous; please refer to the Safety Data Sheet. It is for research use only and is not intended for human or animal diagnostic or therapeutic uses.