KPV is a synthetic tripeptide composed of the amino acids lysine, proline and valine, corresponding to the C-terminal fragment (residues 11-13) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). AminoOptimization Group supplies it as a lyophilised research powder in a 10 mg presentation, tested to 99% purity by HPLC, with a Certificate of Analysis available for the lot supplied. This material is offered strictly for laboratory research use. It is not a drug, and it is not for human or veterinary use.
What is KPV?
KPV — named for its constituent residues, lysine-proline-valine — is the shortest fragment of α-MSH reported in the literature to retain activity independent of the canonical melanocortin receptor system. The parent hormone, a thirteen-residue peptide, binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R) to exert its documented range of effects; KPV, by contrast, shows negligible affinity for any of these receptors in binding assays, a finding that led researchers to describe its downstream signalling as receptor-independent rather than as a scaled-down version of the same mechanism.
Structurally it is a straightforward linear tripeptide, C16H30N4O4, joined by standard peptide bonds with no cyclisation, branching, or non-natural residues. Its small size and the free amine on the lysine side chain give it comparatively high aqueous solubility relative to larger, more hydrophobic peptides. That same lack of protective modification also makes it more susceptible to proteolytic degradation than modified analogues — a property that recurs as a variable in the delivery-focused study designs described below.
Specifications
- Compound: KPV (Lys-Pro-Val tripeptide)
- CAS number: 67727-97-3
- Molecular formula: C16H30N4O4
- Molecular weight: 342.43 g/mol
- Purity: 99% HPLC
- Presentation: Lyophilised powder, sealed vial
- Available sizes: 10 mg
- Physical form: White to off-white powder
- Classification: Research peptide — not for human or veterinary use
Research context
Much of the published literature on KPV concerns anti-inflammatory signalling that persists despite the tripeptide’s lack of melanocortin receptor affinity. In vitro work using cultured epithelial and immune cell lines has examined its effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and nuclear translocation following inflammatory stimulus, treating this melanocortin-receptor-independent pathway as the primary object of study rather than a proxy for α-MSH’s own receptor-mediated activity.
KPV also appears in murine model systems of intestinal inflammation, where dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis is a commonly used experimental model for examining tissue-level inflammatory markers. Because the unmodified tripeptide is degraded rapidly under gastrointestinal conditions, a related body of literature investigates delivery-vehicle strategies — including polymer-based nanoparticle encapsulation — designed to protect the peptide through simulated digestive-tract conditions within these model systems.
None of this literature establishes safety or efficacy for use in humans. It is provided as research context only.
Reconstitution
Lyophilised peptide requires reconstitution with a suitable sterile diluent before use in solution. Bacteriostatic water is the diluent most commonly specified for multi-use laboratory preparations; sterile water is typical for single-use work.
Direct the diluent stream against the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the powder itself, and allow the material to dissolve without agitation. Peptides are susceptible to shear stress — do not shake the vial. Swirl gently if needed. A small, freely soluble tripeptide such as KPV typically dissolves within a minute or two at room temperature.
Working concentration is a function of how much diluent is added to a given vial mass. Our peptide reconstitution calculator computes the resulting concentration for any combination of vial size and diluent volume.
Storage and stability
Before reconstitution: store the sealed vial in a freezer at -20 °C, protected from light. Lyophilised peptide is comparatively stable in this state. Brief excursions to ambient temperature during shipping are normal and are not expected to compromise a properly lyophilised product.
After reconstitution: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light. Reconstituted peptide in solution is materially less stable than the dry powder, and a small unprotected tripeptide such as KPV is not exempt from this pattern. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which are a well-documented cause of degradation and loss of measurable potency — aliquot instead if repeated sampling is required.
Inspect solutions before use. Cloudiness, visible particulate, or discolouration indicate the material should not be relied upon for quantitative work.
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is tested by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the purity figure shown above refers to analytical results for the specific lot supplied — not to a generic specification. A Certificate of Analysis is available on request, and we will provide lot-specific documentation before purchase if your protocol requires it.
Purity by HPLC describes the proportion of the target peptide relative to detectable related substances. It is a statement about the material as manufactured and tested. It is expressly not a representation that the material is suitable for any use in humans or animals.
Handling and safety
Handle in accordance with good laboratory practice. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, work in a suitable containment environment, and dispose of material and consumables according to your institution’s requirements and applicable local regulation. Anyone with access to this material should understand that it is not for human or veterinary use.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes KPV from full-length α-MSH?
KPV is the three-residue C-terminal fragment of the thirteen-residue α-MSH molecule. The full hormone binds melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R) to produce its documented range of effects; KPV shows negligible affinity for these same receptors, which is why researchers treat its downstream signalling as a distinct, receptor-independent pathway rather than a smaller copy of the same mechanism.
Is KPV approved in Canada?
No. This compound has not been evaluated or authorised by Health Canada, the FDA, or any comparable regulatory authority. It carries no DIN or NPN, its safety and efficacy for human use have not been assessed, and it is supplied for laboratory research only.
How much diluent should be used?
That depends on the working concentration your protocol requires. Use the reconstitution calculator, which computes the resulting concentration for any combination of vial size and diluent volume.
How long is reconstituted material usable?
Stability in solution is shorter than in lyophilised form and depends on diluent, temperature, and handling. Refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, avoid freeze-thaw cycling, and validate stability for your own storage conditions if your work depends on it.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes — lot-specific, available on request, including before purchase.
Research use only
This product is supplied solely for laboratory and scientific research. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic, or medical device, and it must not be administered to humans or animals. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a therapeutic claim. Full terms are set out in our Research Use Only Disclaimer.
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