Cosmetic · Elastin-derived signalling peptide
Hexapeptide-12
Also known as VGVAPG; elastin-derived hexapeptide
Elastin-derived VGVAPG hexapeptide used to investigate elastin receptor signalling, chemotaxis and extracellular-matrix biology.
- Length
- 6 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- The elastin-derived sequence VGVAPG interacts with the elastin receptor complex, whose elastin-binding component is an alternatively spliced GLB1 product. Associated signalling involves neuraminidase-1 and can influence chemotaxis and extracellular-matrix-related responses in experimental systems.
- Studied in
- Fibroblast, monocyte and tumour-cell models use VGVAPG to investigate elastin-fragment recognition, cell migration and matrix-remodelling pathways.
About Hexapeptide-12
Hexapeptide-12 commonly denotes Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly, abbreviated VGVAPG, a sequence found within hydrophobic regions of elastin. Research into soluble elastin fragments identified this motif as a biologically active signal rather than simply a structural degradation product. Its small size makes it a useful model for examining how extracellular-matrix breakdown products communicate with cells. The unmodified peptide should not be confused with lipid-conjugated derivatives carrying a similar name.
A principal experimental target is the elastin receptor complex, comprising elastin-binding protein, protective protein/cathepsin A and neuraminidase-1. VGVAPG-responsive assays examine migration, kinase activation and changes in matrix-associated gene expression, although responses depend on cell type and receptor context. Sequence presentation, peptide concentration within the assay and exposure duration can all alter observations. Research material requires analytical confirmation because terminal modifications may change recognition and experimental behaviour.
Laboratory notes
- Confirm VGVAPG identity, terminal chemistry and purity by mass spectrometry and chromatographic analysis.
- Use low-binding vessels and assess stock recovery when working with dilute solutions; establish storage and freeze–thaw limits experimentally.
- Include a sequence control and an orthogonal receptor-pathway readout when attributing activity to the elastin receptor complex.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Hexapeptide-12
Is Hexapeptide-12 the same as a palmitoylated elastin peptide?
No. A palmitoylated derivative contains an additional lipid group, which changes molecular mass, solubility and interactions with membranes.
Does elastin-binding protein belong to the GPCR family?
No. The elastin-binding component is an alternatively spliced GLB1 product within a multiprotein receptor complex, not a conventional G-protein-coupled receptor.
Which endpoints are suitable for mechanistic experiments?
Cell migration, neuraminidase activity, kinase phosphorylation and matrix-associated gene expression provide complementary endpoints, with appropriate specificity controls.
Is Hexapeptide-12 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.