Pancreagen

Molecular formula: C26H36N6O9
Molecular weight: 576.25 g/mol
Sequence: Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp
Appearance: white powder
Storage: 2-8°
Purity: ≥99%

Pancreagen is a tetrapeptide with the sequence Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp (KEDW). It is a synthetic structural analog of a peptide isolated from cattle pancreatic cells, which is posited to be a prospective peptide bioregulator for pancreatic function and aging-related metabolic problems. Pancragen has been suggested by researchers to act by penetrating cellular membranes and interacting with the nucleus and nucleolus. This suggests it could influence gene transcription associated with cell differentiation within the pancreatic cells. Key differentiation factors like Ptf1a, Pdx1, Pax6, Foxa2, Nkx2.2, and Pax4 are thought to play essential roles in the proper differentiation of pancreatic cells. Pancragen might up-regulate the expression of these factors, implying a positive action on the maturation of pancreatic cells. Pancragen may also influence the expression of molecules such as MMP2, MMP9, serotonin, CD79alpha, Mcl1, PCNA, and Ki67, suggesting it might boost the functional activity of pancreatic cells. Another mechanism may include a decrease in proapoptotic protein p53 and increase in antiapoptotic protein Mcl1 hinting at an antiapoptotic potential. Last but not least, Pancragen may influence aging biomarkers, reducing caspase-3 and cathepsin B activities and modulating levels of TNF-α and IGF-I. IGF-I, researched for its antiapoptotic actions, suggests that Pancragen’s actions might be linked to metabolic correction and antiapoptotic mechanisms. Pancragen also seems to affect the methylation patterns of genes like PDX1, PAX6, and NGN3, which might mediate some of its anti-aging potential on the pancreatic cells.