Cosmetic · N-acylated Pentapeptide
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8
A myristoylated pentapeptide researched for its ability to stimulate keratin production in hair follicle and keratinocyte culture models.
- Length
- 5 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- This lipopeptide is proposed to stimulate the production of keratin, a key structural protein, in cells of the hair follicle and epidermis.
- Studied in
- It is investigated in ex vivo hair follicle culture models and in keratinocyte cell lines to study its effects on keratin gene expression and protein synthesis.
About Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8 is a synthetic peptide consisting of a five-amino-acid chain conjugated to a myristoyl group. This lipid modification significantly increases its lipophilicity, which is studied for its potential to improve interaction with cellular structures. The peptide's sequence is designed to influence pathways related to structural protein synthesis.
The primary focus of laboratory research is its effect on keratin production. In vitro assays using human keratinocyte cell lines or ex vivo hair follicle organ cultures are employed to measure changes in the expression of various keratin genes (e.g., KRT1, KRT10) via qPCR. The resulting increase in keratin protein levels is often visualized and quantified using immunocytochemistry or Western blotting.
Laboratory notes
- The myristoyl group makes this peptide highly hydrophobic. A co-solvent system or solubilization in DMSO is required before dilution into aqueous buffers.
- Ex vivo hair follicle culture is a complex but highly relevant model for studying this peptide's effects on the hair cycle and keratin production.
- When analyzing gene expression, it is important to test for changes in a panel of relevant keratin genes, as different keratins are expressed in different epithelial tissues.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8
What is the purpose of the myristoyl group in this peptide?
The myristoyl group is a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid. Attaching it to the peptide (myristoylation) increases its lipophilicity, which is studied for its influence on peptide stability and cellular interaction in experimental models.
What protein is the main target of study for Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8?
Research is focused on its ability to stimulate the synthesis of keratin, the fibrous structural protein that makes up hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin.
What is an 'ex vivo hair follicle culture'?
It is a laboratory technique where individual hair follicles are dissected from skin samples and kept alive in a culture dish for a short period. This allows researchers to study the direct effects of compounds on hair growth and biology outside of a living organism.
Is Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
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All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.