Cosmetic · Palmitoylated melanocortin-mimetic tetrapeptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20
Also known as PTP20
A palmitoylated α-MSH-mimetic tetrapeptide investigated in melanocyte and hair-follicle pigmentation models.
- Length
- 4 amino acids with a palmitoyl group
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20 is described as an α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone mimetic acting through melanocortin-1 receptor-associated signalling. MC1R activation is linked to cAMP-dependent regulation of melanogenic pathways, although receptor selectivity and potency require verification for the specified peptide material.
- Studied in
- Research descriptions include cultured melanocytes and ex vivo hair-follicle models examining melanogenesis-associated signalling, pigment production and oxidative-stress markers.
About Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20 is a synthetic lipid-modified tetrapeptide described as a mimetic of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, usually abbreviated α-MSH. Its design relates to the melanocortin recognition motif rather than the full thirteen-residue hormone. The palmitoyl group changes hydrophobicity and experimental handling requirements. Exact residue stereochemistry and terminal modifications should be checked against the structural specification, because these features influence receptor recognition and cannot be established completely from the ingredient name.
The principal proposed target is melanocortin-1 receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in pigment-cell signalling. Relevant experimental systems include melanocyte cultures and isolated hair follicles, where researchers can measure cAMP responses, melanogenic gene expression and pigment formation. Oxidative-stress markers provide additional endpoints but do not establish direct antioxidant chemistry. MC1R-dependent activity should be distinguished from nonspecific cellular responses using receptor-expression controls, selective perturbation and measurements of cell viability and peptide recovery.
Laboratory notes
- Confirm stereochemistry and terminal chemistry rather than assuming that every α-MSH-mimetic tetrapeptide is structurally equivalent.
- Evaluate solubility, adsorption and aggregation under assay conditions, with matched controls for any solvent or dispersing agent.
- Pair cAMP and pigmentation readouts with MC1R-dependence controls; use a receptor panel if investigating melanocortin selectivity.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20
Is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20 the same molecule as α-MSH?
No. It is a lipid-modified tetrapeptide described as a functional mimetic, whereas α-MSH is a thirteen-residue endogenous melanocortin peptide.
How can MC1R involvement be investigated?
Compare responses in systems with defined MC1R expression and use receptor-specific genetic or pharmacological controls alongside a receptor-proximal readout such as cAMP.
Do changes in oxidative-stress markers prove direct radical scavenging?
No. Such changes may reflect altered cellular signalling or enzyme expression. Direct chemical scavenging requires separate, appropriately controlled cell-free experiments.
Is Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-20 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.