KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)

1. Introduction and Product Description

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a research-grade, naturally occurring tripeptide. This small peptide is significant in cellular signaling, as it represents the C-terminal fragment of the larger parent molecule, alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH). Due to its selective biological activity, KPV is primarily used in laboratory research focused on inflammation, immunology, and wound healing.

The product is supplied as a high-purity, lyophilized powder, ensuring stability and ease of reconstitution for various experimental protocols.

Key Product Details

Component

Detail

Product Name

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) - Research Grade

Structure

Tripeptide (C-terminal fragment of α-MSH)

Molecular Weight

371.44 g/mol

Sequence

H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH

2. Chemical and Physical Specifications

This section provides the essential characteristics of the KPV research-grade material to ensure its quality and suitability for scientific applications.

Specifications

Property

Value

Form

Lyophilized Powder

Purity (HPLC)

>98%

Sequence

H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH

Solubility

Soluble in water and saline

Storage

Long-term storage at -20°C (lyophilized)

Material Safety Data

KPV is intended For Research Use Only and not for use in humans or animals. Standard laboratory safety protocols should be followed when handling this material. A full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available upon request via File.

3. Mechanism of Action (Research Context)

KPV is characterized by its potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Its mechanism of action is distinct from the full-length α-MSH, which is known for its involvement in melanogenesis and other hormonal effects.

1. NF-κB Inhibition: KPV has been shown to suppress the activation and translocation of the Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. NF-κB is a critical transcription factor regulating the expression of numerous pro-inflammatory genes, including interleukins, chemokines, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
2. Cytokine Modulation: By inhibiting NF-κB, KPV reduces the production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in various cell lines and in vivo models.
3. Selective Activity: Crucially, KPV's shorter structure allows it to mediate anti-inflammatory effects independent of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) pathways responsible for pigmentary effects. This makes it an ideal tool for isolating and studying inflammation-specific pathways.

4. Usage and Handling Instructions

4.1 Storage and Stability

• As supplied (Lyophilized Powder): Stable for up to 2 years when stored at -20°C. Keep container tightly sealed and protected from moisture.
• Reconstituted Solution: Solutions should be prepared immediately prior to use. If storage of the solution is necessary, aliquot the solution into single-use vials and store at -20°C or -80°C to minimize degradation from freeze-thaw cycles. Do not store reconstituted solutions for more than one week.

4.2 Reconstitution

KPV is highly soluble in water and saline (0.9% NaCl).

Diluent

Recommended

Notes

Sterile Deionized Water

Yes

Good for preparing stock solutions

Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS)

Yes

Ideal for cell culture and in vivo applications

DMSO

Not Recommended

Peptide may precipitate; use only if absolutely necessary and test solubility beforehand

Protocol:

1. Allow the vial of lyophilized powder to reach room temperature before opening.
2. Add the required volume of sterile diluent (e.g., 1 mL of sterile water for a 1 mg vial).
3. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Avoid vigorous shaking, which can denature peptides.
4. The final concentration should be noted for future calculations. For example, 1 mg of KPV in 1 mL of water results in a 1 mg/mL (or 2.7 mM) stock solution.

4.3 Recommended Research Dosing (Examples)

The optimal concentration or dose must be determined empirically by the researcher for each specific application. The following values are based on published literature and serve as starting points.

In Vitro (Cell Culture)

Application

Recommended Range

Notes

Anti-inflammatory Assay

1 μM to 100 μM

Dependent on cell line (e.g., macrophages, keratinocytes)

Wound Healing Migration

10 μM

Used to study epithelial migration

In Vivo (Animal Models)

Application

Recommended Range

Notes

Topical Application

100-500 μg/mL

Used in models of skin inflammation (e.g., dermatitis)

Systemic Administration

0.1-1.0 mg/kg/day

Typical dose range for systemic anti-inflammatory effects

5. Potential Research Applications

KPV’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a subject of interest in several areas of preclinical research. Researchers should consult the latest peer-reviewed literature to design appropriate experiments.

5.1 Dermatology and Wound Healing

• Psoriasis and Dermatitis Models: Investigating the modulation of inflammatory responses in skin cells, specifically the reduction of IL-6 and TNF-α production in keratinocytes.
• Wound Repair: Studying KPV’s ability to enhance epithelial migration and suppress scar-forming inflammation in dermal models.

5.2 Gastrointestinal Research

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Models: Researching the effect of KPV on mucosal immunity and reducing colon inflammation in chemically induced colitis models.
• Intestinal Permeability: Examining KPV's potential role in preserving the integrity of the epithelial barrier.

5.3 Ocular Inflammation

• Dry Eye Disease: Studying its topical application to reduce inflammation on the ocular surface.
• Uveitis: Investigating systemic or localized delivery to mitigate intraocular inflammation.

For specific research protocols, please refer to the supporting documentation: File.

6. References and Support

For the most up-to-date information, technical support, or to schedule a consultation with a product specialist, please contact us.

• Technical Inquiries: Email Person at support@researchsupply.com
• Order Information: Visit our website or call Person
• Upcoming Webinar on Peptide Research: Join our session on Date at Calendar event

7. Quality Assurance

Our research-grade KPV peptide is manufactured under strict quality control standards. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to confirm the specifications listed in Section 2, including:

• HPLC Analysis: Confirms purity (>98%) and identifies any minor impurities.
• Mass Spectrometry: Verifies the molecular weight (371.44 g/mol) and the correct amino acid sequence (Lys-Pro-Val).
• Endotoxin Testing: Ensures the material is suitable for in vivo and cell culture use by confirming low endotoxin levels.

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the specific lot number purchased is included with every shipment and is available digitally at File.