Cosmetic · N-acetylated, endomorphin-related tetrapeptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15
Also known as —
An acetylated YPFF tetrapeptide used in exploratory studies of sensory-neurone signalling and opioid-related mechanisms.
- Length
- 4 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- The peptide is described as an endomorphin-2-inspired modulator of sensory-neurone signalling, with proposed involvement of the μ-opioid receptor. Direct binding affinity, receptor selectivity and functional efficacy should not be assumed from sequence similarity alone.
- Studied in
- Sensory-neurone cultures and stimulated neuropeptide-release assays investigate its effects on neuronal activation and signalling.
About Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 is commonly represented as Ac-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2. The underlying Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-amide sequence corresponds to endomorphin-2, an endogenous opioid peptide identified in mammalian tissue in the 1990s. Adding an N-terminal acetyl group creates a chemically distinct analogue rather than another name for endomorphin-2. That distinction matters because the free N-terminal region is important to opioid-peptide recognition, so the parent peptide's receptor pharmacology cannot simply be transferred to the acetylated derivative.
Laboratory descriptions focus on sensory-neurone responsiveness and the release of signalling peptides following stimulation. A μ-opioid-receptor-related explanation is proposed in ingredient literature, but this is not equivalent to a complete binding and functional characterisation. Receptor-expressing cell systems, antagonist controls and orthogonal neuronal readouts can test that hypothesis directly. Research use only; neither sequence resemblance nor an altered release assay establishes the precise molecular target responsible for an observed response.
Laboratory notes
- Verify N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation; unmodified endomorphin-2 is a different assay reagent.
- Establish solubility and recovery in the actual assay buffer, accounting for the two phenylalanine residues and possible surface adsorption.
- Include receptor-negative cells and suitable antagonist controls when investigating proposed μ-opioid-receptor involvement.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15
How does this peptide differ from endomorphin-2?
It carries an N-terminal acetyl group. Endomorphin-2 has a free N-terminal amino group, and this structural difference can substantially affect receptor recognition.
Is μ-opioid-receptor selectivity established?
It should not be considered established without compound-specific comparative binding and functional data across opioid-receptor subtypes.
Does reduced neuropeptide release prove opioid-receptor activation?
No. Release can change through several mechanisms, including altered calcium signalling or impaired cell viability. Receptor controls and viability measurements are needed.
Is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.