BPC-157 Research: Molecular Profile, CAS Number and Laboratory Use | Signal Labs
BPC-157: Molecular Profile and Laboratory Research Overview
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide consisting of 15 amino acids. First identified as a partial sequence of the human gastric juice protein BPC, it has become one of the most extensively studied peptides in preclinical research. Its stability in human gastric juice distinguishes it from most endogenous peptides, which degrade rapidly under similar conditions.
Chemical and Molecular Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C62H98N16O22 |
| Molecular weight | 1419.56 g/mol |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 |
| Sequence | Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val |
| Amino acid count | 15 |
| Purity | greater than or equal to 98% as verified by HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
| Storage | -20 degrees C, protected from light and moisture |
| Reconstitution | Bacteriostatic water recommended |
BPC-157: Key Research Signalling Pathways
Structural Characteristics
BPC-157 contains three consecutive proline residues at positions 3, 4, and 5. Polyproline sequences adopt a distinctive left-handed PPII helical conformation and are resistant to most endopeptidases, contributing significantly to BPC-157's stability in biological media. The C-terminal hydrophobic residues Leu and Val may play roles in membrane interactions in laboratory models.
Nitric Oxide System Research
A substantial body of preclinical research has examined BPC-157's interactions with the nitric oxide (NO) signalling system. The NO pathway regulates vascular tone, inflammation, and tissue repair. Laboratory studies have investigated BPC-157 in the context of both NOS-dependent and NOS-independent NO modulation, including work examining endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in endothelial cell models.
Growth Factor and Signalling Research
In vitro and animal model studies have examined BPC-157 in relation to several growth factor and signalling pathways.
VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). Cell culture studies have examined associations between BPC-157 treatment and changes in VEGF expression in fibroblast and endothelial cell lines.
EGR-1 (Early Growth Response Protein 1). Research has examined BPC-157's effects on EGR-1, a transcription factor involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and vascular biology.
FAK-paxillin pathway. Research has investigated BPC-157's influence on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling and its downstream effects on the paxillin scaffolding protein, which plays roles in cell adhesion and migration.
Actin Cytoskeleton and Cell Migration
Laboratory research has examined BPC-157's influence on actin filament organisation and lamellipodia formation in scratch assay models. This connects BPC-157 research to the actin biology studied with TB-500, which is a direct G-actin sequestering peptide.
Dopaminergic Research
BPC-157 has been studied in neurochemistry research, particularly in relation to dopaminergic signalling. Animal model studies have examined BPC-157 in models of dopamine system function, making it a subject of interest in neuropharmacology research.
Research Applications
BPC-157 is used as a tool compound in laboratory settings examining cellular signalling in tissue regeneration models, angiogenesis and vascular endothelial biology, gastrointestinal mucosal physiology research, tendon and ligament cell biology, and neurochemical signalling studies.
It is frequently studied alongside TB-500 (actin dynamics), Ipamorelin (GH axis research), CJC-1295 (No DAC) (GHRH receptor pharmacology), and MOTS-c (mitochondrial signalling).
Storage and Handling
Store at -20 degrees C in a desiccated environment, protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for research use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can compromise peptide integrity. Freshly reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored at 4 degrees C for short-term use.
Comparison: BPC-157 vs Related Research Peptides
| Property | BPC-157 | TB-500 | LL-37 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amino acids | 15 | 43 | 37 |
| Primary target | NO / FAK-paxillin | G-actin (LKKTET) | Bacterial membrane |
| Key research area | GI / vascular / CNS | Actin dynamics / cardiac | Innate immunity |
| Stability | High (protease resistant) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Solubility | Aqueous | Aqueous | Aqueous |
| CAS | 137525-51-0 | 77591-33-4 | 154947-66-7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BPC-157 in laboratory research?
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15 amino acid pentadecapeptide used as a research tool compound to study signalling pathways involved in tissue biology, vascular function, and neurochemistry. It is supplied as a lyophilised powder for laboratory use and is not approved for human or veterinary use.
What makes BPC-157 stable compared to other peptides?
The three consecutive proline residues at positions 3, 4, and 5 adopt a PPII helical conformation that is resistant to most endopeptidases. This structural feature, combined with the peptide's origin from human gastric juice — an environment with high protease activity — contributes to its unusual metabolic stability in biological research media.
How does BPC-157 relate to the nitric oxide system?
Laboratory studies have investigated BPC-157 in the context of both NOS-dependent and NOS-independent nitric oxide modulation. Research has examined changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in endothelial cell models following BPC-157 treatment, though the precise molecular mechanism remains an active area of investigation.
How should BPC-157 be stored for laboratory use?
BPC-157 should be stored lyophilised at -20°C in a desiccated, light-protected environment. For reconstitution, bacteriostatic water is recommended. Freshly reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide integrity over time.
What concentration is BPC-157 supplied at?
Signal Labs supplies BPC-157 as a lyophilised powder verified at greater than or equal to 98% purity by HPLC. Researchers reconstitute to their required working concentration based on their specific assay requirements.
Published Research References
For laboratory and analytical research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary use. No dosage or administration guidance is provided or implied.
Related research peptides: TB-500 | Ipamorelin | CJC-1295 (No DAC) | MOTS-c