P21
$110.00
What is P21?
P21 is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ac-DGGL-NH₂) derived from the active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). It was developed at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities as a small peptide that bypasses the CNTF receptor complex and directly modulates neurotrophin signaling. Unlike full-length CNTF, which requires binding to the CNTFRα/LIFRβ/gp130 receptor complex, P21 has been investigated for its ability to enhance BDNF expression and neurogenesis through a simplified signaling mechanism. The peptide’s small size and N-acetyl/C-amide modifications confer stability and potential for crossing the blood-brain barrier. P21 has been studied in preclinical models of cognitive function and neuroplasticity, where researchers observed effects on hippocampal neurogenesis markers and synaptic protein expression.
Mechanism of Action
P21 has been investigated for its neurotrophic activity through BDNF pathway modulation. Researchers observed that P21 treatment in neuronal models was associated with increased BDNF expression and TrkB receptor phosphorylation, activating downstream cascades including MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Unlike CNTF, P21 does not require the CNTFRα receptor for signaling, suggesting a distinct or simplified mechanism of action. Studies in aged mouse models showed that P21 administration was associated with increased doublecortin-positive (DCX+) cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, a marker of adult neurogenesis. Researchers also observed changes in synaptic markers including synaptophysin and PSD-95 expression. The peptide has been investigated for its effects on dendritic complexity and spine density in hippocampal neurons, parameters associated with learning and memory in preclinical models.
Published Research
Neurogenesis and Cognition
Bolognin et al. (2014) investigated P21 in aged mice and observed increased hippocampal neurogenesis (DCX+ cells) and improved performance in spatial memory tasks following chronic treatment [1].
CNTF-Derived Peptides
Li et al. (2010) characterized P21 as a CNTF-derived peptide that promotes neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity through BDNF pathway modulation, establishing the compound’s neurotrophic profile [2].
Synaptic Plasticity
Kazim et al. (2014) investigated P21 in a neurodegenerative model and observed rescue of dendritic and synaptic deficits, including restoration of synaptic protein expression and dendritic spine density [3].
Product Specifications
| Product | P21 Lyophilized Powder |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 10mg |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Sequence | Ac-DGGL-NH₂ (Ac-Asp-Gly-Gly-Leu-NH₂) |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₃H₃₈N₈O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 522.60 g/mol |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder in glass vial |
| Storage | Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 14 days. |
| Testing | Third-party tested — Certificate of Analysis available |
Frequently Asked Questions
P21 is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). It is studied for its effects on BDNF expression and hippocampal neurogenesis in preclinical models.
P21 is derived from CNTF's active region but does not require the CNTF receptor complex. It modulates BDNF pathways through a simplified mechanism.
Store lyophilized P21 at -20°C. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within 14 days.
Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells. In adults, it occurs primarily in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and is studied as a marker of brain plasticity.
P21 is studied in the context of neurogenesis, BDNF modulation, synaptic plasticity, cognitive function, and neurotrophic signaling in preclinical models.
References
- Bolognin S, et al. An experimental rat model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease and rescue of cognitive impairment with a neurotrophic peptide. Acta Neuropathol. 2014;127(5):691-702. PMID: 24531886
- Li B, et al. A novel CNTF-derived peptide promotes neurogenesis and BDNF expression. Neurobiol Aging. 2010;31:S24.
- Kazim SF, et al. Disease modifying effect of chronic oral treatment with a neurotrophic peptidergic compound in a triple transgenic mouse model. Neurobiol Dis. 2014;71:110-130. PMID: 25046994
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