Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)

Also known as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A synthetic lipopeptide (Pal-KTTKS) researched in vitro for its ability to stimulate extracellular matrix protein synthesis in fibroblast cell models.

Length: 5 amino acids (plus palmitoyl group)
Half-life: Not well characterised
Mechanism: It is a synthetic peptide fragment of procollagen type I that stimulates the synthesis of extracellular matrix components in fibroblast cell cultures.
Studied in: In vitro studies using human dermal fibroblast cultures investigate its capacity to upregulate collagen, elastin, and fibronectin gene expression.

About Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is a synthetic lipopeptide consisting of a five-amino-acid chain (KTTKS) linked to a 16-carbon palmitoyl fatty acid. The addition of the palmitoyl group enhances the molecule's lipophilicity, which is studied for its effect on stability and penetration in experimental topical formulations. It is commonly known by a commercial trade name.

The peptide sequence KTTKS is a sub-fragment of the pro-alpha-1 chain of type I collagen. In laboratory research, this molecule is used to study cellular repair mechanisms. It is applied to cultures of human dermal fibroblasts to investigate its effects on the synthesis of key extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin.

Laboratory notes

The peptide sequence is Palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (Pal-KTTKS).
For in vitro assays, it is typically dissolved in a water/glycol base or DMSO before further dilution in cell culture media.
Its activity is often quantified by measuring changes in mRNA or protein levels of ECM components (e.g., via qPCR or ELISA) in treated fibroblast cultures.

Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.

Questions about Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)

What is the function of the palmitoyl group?

The palmitoyl group is a fatty acid attached to the peptide to increase its lipophilicity. This modification is studied for its potential to improve the peptide's stability and partitioning in non-aqueous experimental vehicles.

Is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 a fragment of a natural protein?

Yes, its amino acid sequence (KTTKS) corresponds to a fragment of procollagen type I, a precursor to collagen.

What type of in vitro models are used to study this peptide?

It is commonly studied using 2D or 3D cultures of human dermal fibroblasts or keratinocytes to assess its impact on extracellular matrix production and gene expression.

Is Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) 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.