inosine monophosphate

Inosine monophosphate (IMP), also known as inosinic acid, is a purine nucleotide that serves as a key intermediate in purine metabolism and a precursor to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and guanosine monophosphate (GMP). In pharmacology and sensory biology, IMP is well-characterized as a potent positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the umami taste receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimer composed of TAS1R1 and TAS1R3. While traditionally known as a flavor enhancer in the food industry, recent research has identified its presence and function in non-gustatory tissues. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that IMP, in combination with glutamate, can activate Gi-coupled umami receptors in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. This activation leads to the inhibition of EGF-induced cell proliferation by reducing cAMP production and suppressing the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK pathways. These findings suggest that IMP may have therapeutic potential in modulating airway remodeling associated with chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Other names

inosinic acid5'-inosinic acidIMP