Overview of Common Research Peptides in In Vitro Science

This overview describes the research peptides in the M-Rogue Research catalog in chemical and laboratory terms: what each compound is, where its sequence comes from, how it is classified, and what to keep in mind when handling and analyzing it in in vitro settings. It is not a description of biological effects. Specifications for each compound, with sources, are on the individual product pages, and COAs are on our Certificates of Analysis page.

BPC-157

A synthetic linear 15-residue peptide (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, 1419.5 g/mol), described in the literature as a partial sequence of a larger gastric protein. Its proline-rich N-terminus and adjacent aspartic acids make it a convenient model for peptide stability and chromatographic studies. It is acidic overall and generally water-soluble. See BPC-157 10mg.

TB-500 and thymosin beta-4

Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a 43-residue, N-terminally acetylated protein that binds monomeric actin and is a standard tool in cell-free actin-polymerization assays. “TB-500” usually refers to the synthetic fragment Ac-LKKTETQ (residues 17–23, the central actin-binding motif, 889.0 g/mol), though some suppliers use the name for full-length Tβ4 (4963 g/mol). Because of this ambiguity, mass confirmation is especially valuable for this compound. See TB-500 10mg.

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

Also called Modified GRF (1-29), this is a 29-residue C-terminally amidated analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (1-29), with substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15 and 27 introduced to reduce enzymatic cleavage. It is classified as a GHRH receptor agonist and is used in receptor-binding and in vitro signaling assays. Its size (3367.9 g/mol) means it typically appears as multiple charge states in ESI mass spectra. See CJC-1295 (No DAC) 10mg.

Ipamorelin

A synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2, 711.9 g/mol) classified as a growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist. It contains non-proteinogenic residues: α-aminoisobutyric acid and D-configured 2-naphthylalanine and phenylalanine. The naphthyl group strongly increases retention in reversed-phase HPLC. See Ipamorelin 10mg and the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend, whose two components resolve as separate HPLC peaks.

GHK-Cu

The copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys, first described in the 1970s as a copper-binding peptide. Copper is coordinated by the N-terminal amine, the histidine imidazole and a backbone amide nitrogen. It is a common model in coordination-chemistry and in vitro cell-culture work. Analytically, acidic mobile phases can dissociate the complex, so HPLC often measures the free peptide, while the blue color of the powder reflects the intact complex. See GHK-Cu 50mg.

AOD-9604

A synthetic 16-residue peptide corresponding to residues 177–191 of growth hormone with an added N-terminal tyrosine (1815.1 g/mol). It contains one intramolecular disulfide bond (Cys7–Cys14). The cyclic (oxidized) and linear (reduced) forms differ by 2 Da and can be resolved by HPLC, which makes the compound a useful model for disulfide analysis. See AOD-9604 10mg.

MOTS-c

A 16-residue mitochondrial-derived peptide (MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR, 2174.6 g/mol) whose sequence is encoded by a short open reading frame in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It is basic, contains two methionines and a tryptophan, and is therefore sensitive to oxidation; LC-MS can distinguish intact and oxidized forms. It is used in in vitro cell-culture and biochemical assays. See MOTS-c 10mg.

Epithalon

A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, 390.35 g/mol) developed as a defined analog of a peptide fraction prepared from pineal gland extract. It is small, acidic and very polar, with no aromatic residues, so it elutes early in reversed-phase HPLC and is detected through peptide-bond absorbance near 214 nm. See Epithalon 10mg; its COA is coming soon.

Semax

A synthetic heptapeptide (MEHFPGP, 813.9 g/mol) consisting of the ACTH(4–7) fragment Met-Glu-His-Phe extended with Pro-Gly-Pro to increase resistance to peptidases. The N-terminal methionine is prone to oxidation, so storage away from air and light is important. See Semax 10mg.

SS-31

Also known as elamipretide, SS-31 is a Szeto-Schiller aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, 639.8 g/mol), where Dmt is 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine. In biochemical research it is studied for its interaction with cardiolipin in model membranes and isolated mitochondria. Its D-arginine and modified tyrosine make it a useful stereochemical reference. See SS-31 10mg.

Selank

A synthetic heptapeptide (TKPRPGP, 751.9 g/mol) based on tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a tetrapeptide fragment of the immunoglobulin G heavy chain, extended with Pro-Gly-Pro. Its three prolines can produce cis/trans conformers that broaden HPLC peaks, a detail worth noting when evaluating chromatograms. See Selank 10mg; its COA is coming soon.

Common handling themes

Across this catalog, a few practical themes recur. Methionine- and tryptophan-containing peptides (MOTS-c, Semax) need protection from oxidation. Disulfide-containing peptides (AOD-9604) should be analyzed with attention to oxidized and reduced forms. Metal complexes (GHK-Cu) can behave differently under acidic chromatography. Proline-rich sequences (BPC-157, Selank, Semax) may show conformer effects. Compounds with naming ambiguity (TB-500) benefit most from mass confirmation. For general practice, see Lyophilized Peptide Handling, Reconstitution, and Storage and HPLC in Peptide Analysis.

All compounds are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.