Research peptides are small chains of amino acids used in pure and applied biological research but not in the clinic. Although there is overlap in the definitions of both peptides and proteins, peptides are generally defined as a small chain of between 2 and 50 amino acids (AAs)1. Peptides are further differentiated based on size. Single unbranched strands between 10-20 AAs are called polypeptides, and oligopeptides are greater than 20 AAs long1,2. Proteins are larger macromolecules consisting of hundreds to thousands of AAs that display secondary, tertiary, and quarternary structures1.

Clinical and academic researchers have used research peptides to probe mechanisms underlying disease and as novel therapeutics. For example, one such study by Ahmed et al. investigated the effects of tatCN21 treatment in an animal model of global cerebral ischemia, the cessation or reduction of blood flow to the brain3. TatCN21 is a 21 AA peptide inhibitor of the protein calcium-calmodulin (CaM) dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) that is attached to a “tat sequence,” which allows the peptide to be brought into the cell. Ahmed et al. found that treating rats with tatCN21 3 hours after GCI protected neurons against programmed cell death and reduced spatial memory deficits3.

Another group investigated using a tat-conjugated peptide to block the interaction of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)4. Nrf2 is an important transcription factor that activates the cellular antioxidation response and regulates signaling pathways in cancer and inflammation5,6. Keap1 binds to Nrf2, preventing its activation and nuclear translocation 7. Steel et al. found that administering tat-conjugated peptide sequences that target this interaction could activate Nrf2 signaling and its downstream target genes in human THP-1 monocytes4.

Many peptide hormones have been investigated for their potential beneficial properties in various diseases. Some of these, such as vasopressin, oxytocin, and insulin, have made it to the clinic, while others are in clinical trials8. Currently, 80 peptide medications are approved for medical use. However, bringing new peptides to market requires careful consideration of renal clearance and delivery methods to make sure the drugs make it to their target tissue9,10.

Research peptides have significantly advanced our understanding in health and disease. However, quality research requires peptides you can trust. Blue Sky Peptide sells the highest-grade research peptides on the market. In addition, we regularly offer BOGO deals, weekly promotions, and a rewards program that gives back when you shop with us. Check out our product catalog or contact us to see what Blue Sky Peptide can do for your research projects. All products from Blue Sky Peptide are for laboratory research only and are not suitable for human consumption. Any other use violates the terms and conditions for purchase.

References:

  1. Forbes J, Krishnamurthy K. Biochemistry, Peptide. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL)2021.
  2. Friedberg F, Winnick T, Greenberg DM. Peptide synthesis in vivo. J Biol Chem. 1947;169(3):763.
  3. Ahmed ME, Dong Y, Lu Y, Tucker D, Wang R, Zhang Q. Beneficial Effects of a CaMKIIalpha Inhibitor TatCN21 Peptide in Global Cerebral Ischemia. J Mol Neurosci. 2017;61(1):42-51.
  4. Steel R, Cowan J, Payerne E, O'Connell MA, Searcey M. Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide Targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 Interaction. ACS Med Chem Lett. 2012;3(5):407-410.
  5. Kobayashi M, Yamamoto M. Molecular mechanisms activating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway of antioxidant gene regulation. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005;7(3-4):385-394.
  6. Moi P, Chan K, Asunis I, Cao A, Kan YW. Isolation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a NF-E2-like basic leucine zipper transcriptional activator that binds to the tandem NF-E2/AP1 repeat of the beta-globin locus control region. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1994;91(21):9926-9930.
  7. Itoh K, Wakabayashi N, Katoh Y, et al. Keap1 represses nuclear activation of antioxidant responsive elements by Nrf2 through binding to the amino-terminal Neh2 domain. Genes Dev. 1999;13(1):76-86.
  8. Muttenthaler M, King GF, Adams DJ, Alewood PF. Trends in peptide drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2021;20(4):309-325.
  9. Mitragotri S, Burke PA, Langer R. Overcoming the challenges in administering biopharmaceuticals: formulation and delivery strategies. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2014;13(9):655-672.
  10. Katz AI, Emmanouel DS. Metabolism of polypeptide hormones by the normal kidney and in uremia. Nephron. 1978;22(1-3):69-80.