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VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) Research Standard
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that plays a pivotal role in signaling across various biological systems. As a member of the secretin/glucagon superfamily, synthetic porcine VIP is extensively utilized in laboratory research to investigate G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) systems, specifically the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. By acting as a high-affinity ligand for these receptors, VIP serves as a critical probe for examining intracellular signaling cascades, particularly the stimulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathways, in controlled in vitro and cellular models.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
| UNII / Synonym | 6J2WVD66KR |
| CAS Number | 37221-79-7 |
| Chemical Formula | C147H237N43O43S |
| Molecular Weight | 3326.8 g/mol |
| Salt Form | Acetate |
| Peptide Length | 28 amino acids |
| Chemical Class | Neuropeptide |
| Physical Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Assay Purity | Refer to the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) supplied for the lot received |
Mechanism of Action & Research Context
VIP is investigated for its specific engagement with G-protein-coupled receptors, functioning as a primary tool for exploring receptor-mediated signaling kinetics.
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Receptor Interaction: The peptide is studied for its high-affinity binding to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which are crucial for cellular homeostasis and neural signaling.
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cAMP Pathway Signaling: VIP is used to characterize the activation of adenylyl cyclase, which leads to the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP). This makes it an essential tool for quantifying GPCR-mediated downstream effects in isolated tissue or cell-line models.
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Structural Specificity: Research centers on the 28-amino-acid sequence, ensuring that structural modifications in experimental analogs can be benchmarked against the full-length peptide to determine selectivity and binding efficacy.
Research Applications
VIP is a specialized reagent essential for modern endocrinology and neuro-pharmacological research.
Primary fields of in vitro laboratory investigation include:
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Receptor Binding Assays: Quantifying the affinity and selectivity of ligand interactions with VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors.
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Binding Kinetics: Determining the association (kon) and dissociation (koff) rates in receptor-ligand complex formation.
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Antagonist & Analog Studies: Benchmarking modified peptide analogs or receptor antagonists against native VIP to identify pharmacophore requirements.
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Cell Culture Models: Evaluating receptor expression levels and signaling responsiveness in varied cell lines under standardized conditions.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
To maintain the chemical stability and experimental reliability of the peptide:
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Lyophilized Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. The lyophilized powder can be maintained at room temperature for short-term handling, provided it is protected from direct light.
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Long-term Storage: Keep sealed containers at -20°C for extended stability.
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Reconstituted Stability: If reconstituted in a buffer, store the resulting solution refrigerated (2°C – 8°C). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to prevent degradation of the peptide sequence.
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Aseptic Technique: Always use sterile, dry equipment to draw samples. Ensure the container remains tightly sealed between uses to prevent moisture ingress and cross-contamination.
Related Research Compounds
Research Use Disclaimer
Research Use Only Disclaimer: This product is developed and distributed strictly as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reference chemical intended exclusively for non-clinical analytical and scientific investigation. It is not an FDA-approved drug, medical treatment, dietary supplement, or food ingredient, and is strictly prohibited for human or animal consumption. Kimera Chems supplies this research material solely to qualified institutions and professional investigators for authorized laboratory research.
