Elabela

Also known as ELA, Apela, Toddler

An endogenous ligand for the APJ receptor, distinct from Apelin, studied in developmental biology and cardiovascular models.

Length: 32, 21, or 11 amino acids (isoforms)
Half-life: Not well characterised
Mechanism: Acts as a second endogenous ligand for the apelin (APJ) receptor, playing a key role in embryonic development and adult cardiovascular regulation.
Studied in: Explored in models of embryonic cardiovascular development, adult hypertension, fluid homeostasis, and renal function.

About Elabela

Elabela (ELA), also known as Apela, was identified as a crucial signaling hormone in embryonic development, particularly for heart formation in zebrafish models. It is processed from a 54-amino-acid precursor into several active isoforms, including ELA-32 and ELA-21. Although discovered in an embryonic context, ELA has since been found to circulate in adult humans and is expressed in tissues like the kidney and prostate.

Despite having no sequence homology with apelin peptides, Elabela was found to be a second endogenous ligand for the apelin (APJ) receptor. This discovery has broadened the understanding of the apelinergic system. Research now focuses on ELA's role in adult physiology, using it as a tool to investigate cardiovascular and renal function, often in parallel with apelin peptides to compare and contrast their effects via the same receptor.

Laboratory notes

The discovery of Elabela in zebrafish embryos, where its gene was named 'toddler', highlights its fundamental role in developmental biology.
It is structurally and genetically unrelated to Apelin, making their shared receptor a point of significant scientific interest.
Multiple active isoforms exist; ELA-32 and ELA-21 are the most commonly studied.

Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.

Questions about Elabela

Does Elabela activate the same receptor as Apelin?

Yes, both Elabela and the apelin peptides are endogenous ligands that bind to and activate the G protein-coupled APJ receptor.

Why is it also called 'Toddler'?

The gene encoding Elabela was named 'toddler' in early zebrafish studies because its absence resulted in embryos that could not undergo proper gastrulation and development, particularly of the cardiovascular system.

What is the main research interest in Elabela in adults?

In adults, research focuses on its role as a circulating hormone involved in regulating blood pressure, cardiac function, and fluid balance, similar to the functions of apelin.

Is Elabela for human use?

No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.

Related research peptides

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