alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormon (α-MSH) peptide

• Handling and Storage of Synthetic Peptides
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Batch to batch variation of the purity

Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) is a neuropeptide belonging to the melanocortin family. It is derived from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor protein and is a thirteen-amino acid, cationic peptide. This endogenous peptide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which are mediated through mechanisms such as the induction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the inhibition of nuclear factor κβ (NF-κβ) activation, leading to a reduction in proinflammatory mediators.

α-MSH shares several biophysical and functional characteristics with classical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). It is a short, linear, and cationic molecule that can adopt an alpha-helical structure. Studies have demonstrated its direct, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The C-terminal tripeptide sequence Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) is identified as a core region essential for both its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The peptide's mechanism of action against microbes may involve membrane permeabilization and disruption, alongside other intracellular targets.

• Palermo F, Nabissi M, Cardinaletti G, Tibaldi E, Mosconi G, Polzonetti-magni AM. Cloning of sole proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cDNA and the effects of stocking density on POMC mRNA and growth rate in sole, Solea solea. Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2008;155(1):227-33.
• Sabatier N. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone and oxytocin: a peptide signalling cascade in the hypothalamus. J Neuroendocrinol. 2006 Sep;18(9):703-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2006.01464.x. PMID: 16879169.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a common counterion from the purification process using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The presence of TFA can affect the peptide's net weight, appearance, and solubility.

Impact on Net Weight: The TFA salt contributes to the total mass of the product. In most cases, the peptide content constitutes >80% of the total weight, with TFA accounting for the remainder.

Solubility: TFA salts generally enhance the solubility of peptides in aqueous solutions.

In Biological Assays: For most standard in vitro assays, the residual TFA levels do not cause interference. However, for highly sensitive cellular or biochemical studies, please be aware of its presence.