Research Glossary
Comprehensive definitions of key terms, concepts, and mechanisms related to peptide research.
81 terms found
Amino Acid
The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine to form peptides through peptide bonds.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Typically contains 2-50 amino acids. Longer chains are classified as proteins.
Peptide Bond
A covalent bond formed between two amino acids when the carboxyl group of one reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a water molecule.
Dipeptide
A peptide consisting of two amino acids joined by a single peptide bond.
Tripeptide
A peptide consisting of three amino acids joined by two peptide bonds.
Oligopeptide
A peptide containing 2-20 amino acids.
Polypeptide
A peptide chain containing more than 20 amino acids. Longer polypeptides are typically classified as proteins.
Molecular Weight
The sum of atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule, measured in Daltons (Da) or kilodaltons (kDa). Important for dosage calculations.
Half-Life
The time it takes for half of a substance to be eliminated from the body or degraded. Determines dosing frequency.
Bioavailability
The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation and is available for biological activity.
Stability
The ability of a peptide to maintain its structure and function under various conditions (temperature, pH, light exposure).
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Administration of a substance into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle. Common route for peptide administration.
Intramuscular (IM)
Administration of a substance directly into muscle tissue. Provides faster absorption than subcutaneous injection.
Intravenous (IV)
Administration of a substance directly into a vein. Provides immediate systemic availability.
Intranasal
Administration through the nasal passages. Used for peptides that can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Topical
Application to the skin surface. Used for cosmetic peptides and localized treatments.
Lyophilization
Freeze-drying process that removes water from peptides, creating a stable powder form for storage.
Reconstitution
The process of adding a solvent (usually bacteriostatic water) to a lyophilized peptide to prepare it for use.
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water containing benzyl alcohol (0.9%) to prevent bacterial growth. Standard diluent for peptide reconstitution.
Sterile Technique
Methods used to prevent contamination during peptide handling, reconstitution, and administration.
Agonist
A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response. Binds to receptors and mimics natural ligands.
Antagonist
A substance that blocks or inhibits receptor activation, preventing biological responses.
Receptor
A protein molecule on the surface or inside a cell that binds to specific ligands (like peptides) to trigger cellular responses.
Ligand
A molecule that binds to a receptor. Peptides often act as ligands for various receptors.
Binding Affinity
The strength of interaction between a peptide and its receptor. Higher affinity means stronger binding.
Growth Hormone (GH)
A peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
A hormone that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Examples: CJC-1295, Mod GRF 1-29.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP)
Synthetic peptides that stimulate GH release. Examples: GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Ipamorelin, Hexarelin.
Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)
A hormone similar in structure to insulin that mediates many of the effects of growth hormone.
Somatostatin
A hormone that inhibits growth hormone release. Some peptides work by modulating somatostatin activity.
Ghrelin
A hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates appetite and growth hormone release. GHRPs mimic ghrelin action.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1)
A hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon release. Basis for semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide.
Glucagon
A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Insulin
A peptide hormone that regulates blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
Metabolic Rate
The rate at which the body converts food into energy. Some peptides can increase metabolic rate.
Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels. Important for tissue healing and repair. BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis.
Vasculogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels from endothelial progenitor cells.
Collagen Synthesis
The production of collagen, a structural protein essential for tissue strength and healing.
Fibroblast
A cell type that produces collagen and other extracellular matrix components during wound healing.
Tissue Regeneration
The process of regrowing damaged or lost tissue. Many peptides support this process.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
A protective barrier that separates circulating blood from brain tissue. Some peptides can cross this barrier.
Neuroprotection
Mechanisms that protect neurons from damage or death. Some peptides exhibit neuroprotective properties.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Some peptides may enhance this.
Nootropic
A substance that enhances cognitive function, memory, or learning. Examples: Semax, Selank.
Collagen Peptide
Short chains of amino acids derived from collagen. Used in cosmetic applications to support skin health.
Elastin
A protein that provides elasticity to skin and other tissues. Some peptides support elastin production.
Matrixyl
A trademarked peptide complex (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4) used in cosmetic formulations to reduce wrinkles.
Research Peptide
Peptides intended for laboratory research purposes only, not for human consumption.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document confirming the purity, identity, and quality of a peptide batch. Essential for research use.
Third-Party Testing
Independent laboratory analysis to verify peptide purity and identity. Ensures quality and authenticity.
Purity
The percentage of the desired peptide in a sample. Higher purity (95%+) is preferred for research.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
Analytical technique used to determine peptide purity and identity.
Mass Spectrometry
Analytical technique used to identify peptides by measuring their mass-to-charge ratio.
Cold Chain
Temperature-controlled supply chain to maintain peptide stability from manufacture to use.
Desiccant
A substance that absorbs moisture. Often included with lyophilized peptides to prevent degradation.
Light-Sensitive
Substances that degrade when exposed to light. Many peptides require protection from light.
Healing Peptides
Peptides that promote tissue repair and regeneration. Examples: BPC-157, TB-500, KPV.
Cognitive Peptides
Peptides that enhance cognitive function, memory, or neuroprotection. Examples: Semax, Selank, Cerebrolysin.
Metabolic Peptides
Peptides that affect metabolism, glucose regulation, or weight management. Examples: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, MOTS-C.
Hormonal Peptides
Peptides that affect hormone production or release. Examples: GHRPs, GHRHs, Kisspeptin.
Cosmetic Peptides
Peptides used in skincare and cosmetic applications. Examples: GHK-Cu, Matrixyl, Argireline.
Acetylation
The addition of an acetyl group to a peptide. Can improve stability and half-life.
PEGylation
Attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to peptides. Increases half-life and reduces immunogenicity.
Lipidation
Attachment of fatty acid chains to peptides. Improves membrane permeability and half-life.
DAC (Drug Affinity Complex)
A modification that extends peptide half-life. Example: CJC-1295 with DAC has longer half-life than CJC-1295 no DAC.
Microgram (mcg)
One millionth of a gram. Common unit for peptide dosages.
Milligram (mg)
One thousandth of a gram. Used for larger peptide quantities.
Dosage Range
The recommended range of peptide amounts based on research protocols.
Dosing Frequency
How often a peptide should be administered (daily, twice daily, weekly, etc.).
Side Effects
Unintended effects that may occur when using a peptide. Should be monitored during research.
Contraindication
A condition or factor that makes a peptide inadvisable for use.
Tolerance
Reduced response to a peptide over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Legal Status
The regulatory status of a peptide in different jurisdictions (legal, prescription-only, research-only, etc.).
FDA Approval
Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for specific medical uses.
Off-Label
Use of a substance for purposes not approved by regulatory authorities.
In Vitro
Research conducted outside a living organism, typically in laboratory settings.
In Vivo
Research conducted within living organisms.
Clinical Trial
Research study involving human participants to evaluate safety and efficacy.
Peer Review
Evaluation of research by experts in the field before publication.
DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
A unique identifier for published research articles, allowing easy access.
PubMed
A free database of biomedical literature maintained by the National Library of Medicine.