Hormone · Peptide hormone
Helospectin I
A 38-amino acid peptide from Gila monster venom, Helospectin I is a potent VPAC2 receptor agonist used in gastrointestinal and metabolic research.
- Length
- 38 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised; expected to be short in plasma.
- Mechanism
- Helospectin I is a potent agonist of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors, particularly the VPAC2 subtype.
- Studied in
- It is used in cellular and tissue models to explore VPAC2-mediated signaling, including smooth muscle relaxation, exocrine secretion, and pancreatic function.
About Helospectin I
Helospectin I is another member of the secretin/glucagon/VIP peptide superfamily isolated from Gila monster venom, alongside Helodermin. With 38 amino acids, it is slightly longer than Helodermin and also demonstrates significant biological activity in various experimental models. Its structure is highly homologous to other peptides in its class, like VIP and PACAP.
In laboratory settings, Helospectin I is recognized as a powerful agonist for VIP receptors, with a noted preference for the VPAC2 subtype compared to VPAC1. This relative selectivity makes it a useful pharmacological probe for distinguishing the roles of these two receptors. Research applications include studying its effects on pancreatic acinar cell secretion, smooth muscle motility in isolated gut preparations, and its hypotensive effects in animal models.
Laboratory notes
- Similar to Helodermin, solubility is enhanced by initial reconstitution in a slightly acidic solvent before adding aqueous buffer.
- The peptide's C-terminus is amidated, which is crucial for its biological activity and stability against carboxypeptidases.
- Due to its potent activity, perform concentration-response curves to determine the optimal concentration for your specific in vitro or ex vivo assay.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Helospectin I
How does Helospectin I differ from Helodermin?
Both are from Gila monster venom and activate VIP receptors. Helospectin I is slightly longer (38 amino acids vs. 35) and is often reported to have a stronger preference for the VPAC2 receptor subtype.
What is the primary mechanism of action for Helospectin I?
It acts as a potent agonist at vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors, stimulating cellular responses through G-protein coupled signaling, typically leading to increased intracellular cAMP.
Where was Helospectin I originally discovered?
Like Helodermin, it was first isolated from the venom of the Heloderma suspectum lizard, commonly known as the Gila monster.
Is Helospectin I 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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