100 terms
A
8 termsAcetylation
Acetylation: -COCH₃ grafting on peptide (N-terminal, Lys), anti-DPP-4 protection and RUO stabilization.
Amino Acid
Amino acid: basic molecular building block of peptides and proteins, defined by an amine group (-NH2), a carboxyl (-COOH), and a side chain (R) that determines its identity.
Affinity
Affinity: thermodynamic definition, Kd, Ki, Bmax, measurement methods (SPR, ITC, fluorescence), and interpretation in pharmacology.
Agonist
Agonist: molecule that binds to a receptor and activates its biological signaling, mimicking the effect of the natural endogenous ligand.
Amidation
Amidation: C-terminal modification (-COOH → -CONH₂) essential to 50% of neuropeptides, RUO design key.
Amylin
Amylin (IAPP): 37-aa peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin, AMY-R (CTR+RAMP) agonist, appetite and glucagon regulator.
Antagonist
Antagonist: molecule that binds to a receptor without activating it, blocking the binding and effect of natural or therapeutic agonists.
API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient)
API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient): active substance of a drug, subject to GMP and referenced in DMF/ASMF/CTD.
B
4 termsBioactivity
Bioactivity: peptide's ability to produce a measurable biological effect, EC50, IC50, Emax in RUO research.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability: fraction of an administered dose reaching systemic circulation unchanged, a key criterion of peptide efficacy depending on the route of administration.
Boc (tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)
Boc (tert-Butyloxycarbonyl): historical N-terminal protecting group in peptide synthesis. Chemistry, acid deprotection, residual use versus modern Fmoc.
BPC-157
BPC-157: 15-aa research peptide derived from a gastric protein, studied for tissue regeneration. Definition, mechanisms, studies.
C
6 termsC-terminal
C-terminal: carboxyl peptide end, target of carboxypeptidases, amidation key for RUO stability.
Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide: long-acting amylin analogue (Novo Nordisk), metabolic research peptide complementary to GLP-1 agonists.
CJC-1295
CJC-1295: stabilised GHRH analogue (30aa), with or without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex), research peptide for GH/IGF-1 axis studies.
Cleavage
Peptide cleavage: final step releasing the peptide from resin in SPPS. TFA cocktails, scavengers and crude product purity control.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
COA (Certificate of Analysis): quality document accompanying each peptide batch, attesting identity, HPLC purity, molecular mass, and compliance with manufacturing specifications.
Peptide Coupling
Peptide coupling: key step of amide bond formation between two amino acids. Activation agents (HBTU, HATU, DIC), mechanism and yield.
D
7 termsDeamidation
Peptide deamidation: Asn and Gln converted to Asp/Glu, accelerating pH/temperature factors, RUO prevention.
Edman Degradation
Edman degradation: classic N-terminal peptide sequencing method using PITC reagent. Historical reference.
Peptide Degradation
Peptide degradation: chemical, enzymatic and physical pathways, monitoring tools and RUO research prevention.
Half-life
Biological half-life: time required for a peptide plasma concentration to decrease by half, a key criterion determining dosing frequency and duration of action.
Dipeptide
Dipeptide: 2 linked amino acids, carnosine, aspartame, key role in RUO pharma research and analog design.
Dosage
Peptide dosage: gross vs net mass, working concentration, RUO in vitro/in vivo research calculation rules.
DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl-Peptidase 4)
DPP-4: serine protease cleaving N-terminal Xaa-Pro/Xaa-Ala dipeptides. Inactivates GLP-1, GIP, GHRH. Therapeutic target (gliptins).
E
4 termsBacteriostatic Water
Bacteriostatic water: 0.9% benzyl alcohol solvent, multi-dose reconstitution of lyophilized RUO peptides.
EC50
EC50: half-maximal effective concentration, pharmacological parameter quantifying agonist potency. Definition, dose-response curve calculation, comparative interpretation.
Endotoxin (LPS)
Endotoxin (LPS): critical bacterial contaminant in peptide research, LAL test, EU/mg thresholds, RUO prevention.
ESI-MS (Electrospray Ionization)
ESI-MS: electrospray principle, multi-charging, LC-MS coupling, quantitative peptide analysis, strengths and limitations compared to MALDI.
F
2 termsGrowth Factor
Growth factor: definition, main families, receptor tyrosine kinases, and role in cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
Fmoc (9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)
Fmoc (9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl): dominant N-terminal protecting group in modern peptide synthesis. Chemical properties, deprotection, advantages over Boc.
G
5 termsGhrelin
Ghrelin: orexigenic gastric hormone, natural ligand of the GHS-R receptor. Biology, role in appetite and analogues (ipamorelin, GHRP-6, MK-677).
GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone)
GHRH (Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone): hypothalamic hormone stimulating growth hormone secretion. Analogues (CJC-1295, tesamorelin) and research.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin): potent GH secretagogue hexapeptide, GHS-R1a agonist, GH/IGF-1 axis research peptide.
GHRP-6
GHRP-6: pioneer GH secretagogue hexapeptide, GHS-R1a agonist with marked appetite stimulation, research peptide.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1): incretin hormone regulating glycemia and appetite. Biology, GLP-1R receptor and therapeutic analogues (semaglutide, liraglutide).
H
2 termsI
8 termsIC50
IC50: half-maximal inhibitory concentration, pharmacological parameter quantifying antagonist or inhibitor potency. Definition, measurement and interpretation pitfalls.
IGF-1
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1): 70aa polypeptide, hepatic mediator of GH anabolic effects, key biomarker.
In Vitro
In vitro: definition, experimental systems (tubes, cells, organoids), advantages, limitations, and role in the peptide research pipeline.
In Vivo
In vivo: definition, animal models (rodents, zebrafish, primates), regulatory issues, 3R ethical framework, and complementarity with in vitro.
Incretin
Incretin: intestinal peptide hormone (GLP-1, GIP) stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Basis of antidiabetic therapies.
Protease Inhibitor
Protease inhibitors: classes, commercial cocktails, lab uses to preserve RUO research peptides.
Insulin
Insulin: 51-aa peptide hormone (A+B chains, 3 disulfide bridges), major metabolic regulator, structural reference.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin: GHRP pentapeptide selective for GHS-R1a, GH-stimulating research peptide without cortisol/prolactin effect.
L
4 termsLC-MS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry)
LC-MS: coupling principle, instrumental configurations, applications in peptidomics, PK quantification, and peptide quality control.
Peptide Bond
Peptide bond: covalent amide linkage between the carboxyl of one amino acid and the amine of another, forming the backbone of all peptides and proteins.
Native Chemical Ligation (NCL)
Native Chemical Ligation (NCL): Dawson-Kent 1994 method to assemble two peptides via native peptide bond through thioester+Cys.
Lyophilization
Lyophilization (freeze-drying): vacuum sublimation process preserving native structure and bioactivity of peptides for long-term storage.
M
5 termsMALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization)
MALDI: principle, instrumentation (MALDI-TOF), common matrices, applications in peptide and protein analysis, strengths and limitations.
Molecular Weight
Molecular mass: definition, units (Da, kDa), monoisotopic vs average difference, measurement methods (MS), and peptide identity verification.
Melanotan II
Melanotan II: cyclic heptapeptide α-MSH analogue, MC1R/MC3R/MC4R/MC5R agonist, research peptide (pigmentation, libido).
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren): orally bioavailable non-peptide GH secretagogue, GHS-R1a agonist, research peptide-mimetic.
Post-translational Modification
Post-translational modification (PTM): definition, types (phosphorylation, glycosylation, acylation, ubiquitination), biological roles, and detection.
N
3 termsN-terminal
N-terminal: amine peptide end, DPP-4 target, key protection for stable analogs in RUO research.
Neuropeptide
Neuropeptide: definition, major classes, role in brain signaling, and research relevance in neuroscience and endocrinology.
CAS Number
CAS number: unique universal molecule identifier, key for RUO peptide traceability and compliance.
O
2 termsP
13 termsPEGylation
PEGylation: definition, conjugation chemistry, pharmacokinetic benefits, clinical examples, and limitations in peptide research.
Peptide
Peptide: molecule of linked amino acids, building block of life, key RUO biological and pharmacological tool.
Cyclic Peptide
Cyclic peptide: types of cyclization, pharmacokinetic advantages, natural and synthetic examples, research applications.
Peptide Mimetic
Peptidomimetic: molecule reproducing peptide structure/function with improved pharmacokinetics, RUO research.
Signal Peptide
Signal peptide: N-terminal address targeting a protein to ER, key tool for RUO recombinant production.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics: quantitative study of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of a compound. Key concepts, ADME parameters and relevance for peptide research.
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics: quantitative study of the biological effect produced by a molecule. Dose-response curves, efficacy, potency and relationship with pharmacokinetic parameters.
Polypeptide
Polypeptide: long chain (20-100 aa), insulin, semaglutide, retatrutide, top RUO peptide research.
Disulfide Bridge
Disulfide bridge: S-S bond between cysteines, oxytocin/insulin structure, SPPS synthesis challenge RUO.
Protease
Protease: MEROPS classes, DPP-4, neprilysin, impact on research peptides and RUO-resistant analogs.
Proteolysis
Proteolysis: enzymatic hydrolysis of peptide bonds, challenge and key tool in RUO peptide research.
Purity
Peptide purity: analytical methods (HPLC, MS), research vs pharmaceutical thresholds, typical impurities, and how to read a certificate of analysis.
HPLC Purity
HPLC purity: calculation principle, columns and detectors, acceptance thresholds in research and pharmacy, chromatogram interpretation.
R
7 termsReceptor
Receptor: specialized protein, typically membrane-bound, that specifically binds a ligand (hormone, peptide, neurotransmitter) and triggers an intracellular signaling cascade.
GPCR Receptor
G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR): superfamily of membrane receptors with 7 transmembrane helices, targets of >30% of marketed drugs and major therapeutic peptides.
Reconstitution
Reconstitution: controlled solubilization of a lyophilized peptide with an appropriate solvent (bacteriostatic water, 0.9% NaCl), a critical step determining compound concentration and stability.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide (LY3437943): triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon agonist, next-generation research peptide, ongoing TRIUMPH studies.
NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
NMR: 3D peptide structural characterisation technique in solution, essential complement to MS and X-ray.
RP-HPLC
RP-HPLC (reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography): reference method for peptide purity and analysis.
RUO (Research Use Only)
RUO (Research Use Only): strict regulatory status of research peptides, exclusive laboratory use.
S
12 termsSecretagogue
Secretagogue: substance inducing hormone secretion, GHS, GLP-1, major RUO research target.
Selectivity
Selectivity: definition, difference from specificity, selectivity ratios, design strategies to reduce off-target effects in research.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide: long-acting GLP-1 agonist (165h half-life), research peptide used in preclinical metabolic and weight studies.
Peptide Sequence
Peptide sequence: ordered string of amino acids within a peptide, read from N-terminus to C-terminus, which determines its 3D structure, function, and biological activity.
Solubility
Peptide solubility: factors (pH, charge, hydrophobicity), common research solvents, improvement strategies, and pharmaceutical challenges.
Somatostatin
Somatostatin: hypothalamic peptide inhibiting multiple hormone secretions. 5 receptor subtypes, analogues (octreotide) and research role.
Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry: analytical technique that precisely measures peptide molecular mass with <0.01% error, confirming identity and chemical purity.
SPPS (Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis)
SPPS (Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis): peptide synthesis method on solid support invented by Merrifield. Principle, Fmoc and Boc strategies, industrial advantages.
Stability
Peptide stability: chemical and physical degradation, influencing factors, laboratory storage, and stabilization strategies.
Primary Structure
Primary structure: first level of peptide organization, defined solely by the linear amino acid sequence and the peptide bonds linking them.
Secondary Structure
Secondary structure: alpha helix, beta sheet, turn, prediction methods, and impact on peptide and protein function.
Peptide Synthesis
Peptide synthesis: chemical routes (SPPS, solution-phase), biological (recombinant) and chemoenzymatic approaches, key steps, and limitations.
T
6 termsTB-500
TB-500: synthetic fragment of Thymosin β-4, research peptide studied for cell mobilisation and tissue healing.
Ninhydrin Test
Ninhydrin (Kaiser) test: qualitative colorimetric method to detect free amines in SPPS. Coupling monitoring.
TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid)
TFA: fluorinated organic acid, cornerstone of SPPS and peptide RP-HPLC. Cleavage and ion-pairing applications.
Thymosin Beta-4
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): 43-amino acid peptide sequestering G-actin. Molecular mechanisms, role in tissue regeneration and research.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide: dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist (39aa, Aib2/Aib13, C20 acylation), metabolic research peptide (Mounjaro®).
Tripeptide
Tripeptide: 3 amino acids, glutathione, TRH, RGD/GHK motifs, excellent bioavailability in RUO research.