Cosmetic · N-acetylated synthetic tetrapeptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Also known as —
An acetylated KGHK tetrapeptide investigated for extracellular-matrix signalling in follicle-related laboratory models.
- Length
- 4 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Exploratory studies associate this peptide with changes in extracellular-matrix protein expression in follicle-related models. A specific receptor target and a direct molecular binding mechanism have not been established.
- Studied in
- Fibroblast cultures and ex-vivo follicle models are used to investigate extracellular-matrix expression and tissue organisation, although formulation studies may include additional ingredients.
About Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is commonly described as Ac-Lys-Gly-His-Lys-NH2, an N-terminally acetylated tetrapeptide with a C-terminal amide. Its sequence contains the Gly-His-Lys motif, but this does not establish equivalence to GHK or its metal complexes. Terminal modifications alter charge and can affect enzymatic recognition. For research use only, the material should be identified by its complete sequence, terminal chemistry and analytical data rather than its ingredient name alone.
The research rationale centres on extracellular-matrix components associated with follicular tissue, including collagen and laminin-related measurements. Published descriptions do not establish a single cognate receptor or a fully resolved signalling pathway. Much of the supporting information comes from ingredient-development work rather than extensive independent mechanistic replication. Experiments should therefore distinguish peptide-specific effects from those of co-formulated botanical constituents, solvents or other additives that may influence matrix-expression assays.
Laboratory notes
- Confirm the KGHK sequence, N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation against the batch certificate and mass-spectrometric data.
- Control trace-metal content when comparing batches: the histidine-containing sequence warrants attention to metal-dependent changes in assay behaviour.
- Use peptide-only, vehicle and formulation-component controls when measuring collagen, laminin or other extracellular-matrix markers.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 the same molecule as GHK?
No. The commonly reported structure contains an additional N-terminal lysine, an acetyl cap and a C-terminal amide. Shared sequence elements do not demonstrate identical activity.
Has a specific receptor been identified?
No well-established cognate receptor has been demonstrated. Extracellular-matrix measurements are downstream observations, not evidence of direct receptor binding.
Can results from multi-ingredient preparations be attributed to this peptide?
Not without appropriate controls. Separate testing of the peptide, accompanying ingredients and complete mixture is needed to identify which component accounts for an assay response.
Is Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 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.