Metabolic research compounds are studied for their interactions with cellular energy metabolism pathways. This category includes both peptide-based and non-peptide molecules examined for their interactions with metabolic signaling cascades, substrate utilization, and lipid regulation at the molecular level.

Examples include 5-Amino-1MQ, a small-molecule NNMT inhibitor investigated for its interactions with NAD⁺ metabolism pathways and adipocyte signaling, as well as peptides such as AOD-9604 and MOTS-c, which have been examined in the context of mitochondrial pathways and metabolic gene expression. These compounds are of interest in research examining energy substrate regulation, lipid oxidation mechanisms, and cellular metabolic function.