AICAR: Structure & Analytical Reference
AICAR is a cell-permeable ribonucleotide and AMP analog used as a research activator of AMPK. This page summarizes its identity, context, and documentation.
Reference identity
| Class | Metabolic Research Compound |
| Identity | 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide |
| Research role | AMP analog and pharmacological AMPK activator |
| Documentation | certificate on release |
About the molecule
AICAR is 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, a cell-permeable ribonucleotide and AMP analog used in research as a pharmacological activator of AMP-activated protein kinase.
Research context
AICAR is widely used to study cellular energy metabolism and related pathways, including ERK signaling, in cell and animal models. This is neutral reference information, not a statement of effect in humans.
References
According to PubMed: Kim JE et al. (2008), doi:10.1016/j.bone.2008.03.021.
How it is documented
Where analysis is published for a released batch, its certificate records the available identity and purity results. Look up the lot number on the vial to retrieve any published record.