AICAR

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is converted intracellularly to AICA ribotide (ZMP), an AMP analogue that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is the master cellular energy sensor - when activated, it promotes mitochondrial biogenesis (via PGC-1alpha), increases glucose transporter (GLUT4) expression, enhances fatty acid oxidation via CPT-1, and simultaneously inhibits energy-consuming anabolic pathways. The result closely mimics the metabolic signature of endurance exercise.