Peptide Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms you'll encounter across the peptide reference library.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids (typically 2–50) linked by peptide bonds. Longer chains are classified as proteins. Peptides commonly act as signalling molecules, hormones, or neurotransmitters.
Amino Acid
The molecular building blocks of peptides and proteins. Twenty standard amino acids combine in sequence to define a peptide's structure and function.
Sequence
The specific order of amino acids in a peptide, written using one- or three-letter codes. The sequence determines how a peptide folds and what it binds to.
Receptor
A protein, usually on a cell surface, that a peptide binds to in order to trigger a biological response (its "lock" to the peptide's "key").
Agonist
A molecule that binds a receptor and activates it, producing a downstream effect. Many therapeutic peptides are receptor agonists.
Secretagogue
A compound that stimulates the secretion of another substance. Growth-hormone secretagogues, for example, prompt the pituitary to release growth hormone.
GHRH
Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone. A signalling peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone. Several peptides are synthetic GHRH analogs.
GHRP
Growth Hormone–Releasing Peptide. A class of secretagogues that stimulate growth-hormone release through the ghrelin receptor, distinct from GHRH analogs.
GLP-1
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. An incretin hormone involved in blood-sugar regulation and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a major class of metabolic peptides.
GIP
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide. A second incretin hormone; some newer peptides act on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
BDNF
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. A protein that supports neuron growth and survival; several cognitive peptides are studied for their effect on BDNF.
Telomere / Telomerase
Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with cell division; telomerase is the enzyme that can lengthen them. Both are central to longevity research.
Angiogenesis
The formation of new blood vessels. Several healing-focused peptides are studied for promoting angiogenesis during tissue repair.
Lyophilized
Freeze-dried into a stable powder. Most research peptides are supplied lyophilized to preserve them, and reconstituted in a laboratory setting.
Reconstitution
The laboratory process of dissolving a lyophilized (powdered) peptide into solution using a suitable diluent such as bacteriostatic water.
Bacteriostatic Water
Sterile water containing a small amount of benzyl alcohol that inhibits bacterial growth, commonly used as a diluent for reconstituting research peptides.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
A document from an independent laboratory verifying a product's identity and purity for a specific batch. Batch-specific COAs are a key marker of quality.
HPLC
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. An analytical method used to measure the purity of a peptide, typically reported as a percentage on a COA.
Half-Life
The time it takes for half of a compound to be cleared from a system. A longer half-life generally means a more sustained effect in research models.
Preclinical
Research conducted before human trials, typically in cell cultures (in vitro) or animal models (in vivo). Preclinical evidence does not establish human safety or efficacy.
In Vitro / In Vivo
In vitro means "in glass" — experiments in cells or test tubes. In vivo means "in the living" — experiments in whole organisms.
RCT
Randomized Controlled Trial. The gold-standard study design in which participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups.
Research Use Only (RUO)
A designation meaning a product is intended solely for laboratory research and is not approved for human or animal consumption or therapeutic use.
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