What is KPV?

KPV is one of the smallest peptides used in research: just three amino acids long. It is the tail end of the hormone alpha-MSH and is mainly studied in inflammation models. Here you can read what KPV is, where it comes from and how to work with it in the lab.

KPV at a glance

KPV consists of the amino acids lysine (K), proline (P) and valine (V). This sequence forms the last three amino acids (positions 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a 13-amino-acid peptide hormone.

  • Full name: lysyl-prolyl-valine
  • Type: tripeptide (3 amino acids)
  • Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val
  • Origin: C-terminal fragment of α-MSH (amino acids 11–13)
  • Molecular weight: about 342 g/mol

Origin: the tail of alpha-MSH

Alpha-MSH is known for its role in skin pigmentation, but it is also studied for its effects on inflammatory processes in models. Studies showed that part of that inflammation-related activity can already be seen in models with the short C-terminal fragment KPV.

Because KPV is so small, it is well suited to studying the link between peptide structure and activity in simple models.

Research areas

KPV is mainly studied in preclinical models, including:

  • Inflammatory signalling pathways such as NF-κB in cell models
  • Intestinal models; in cell models KPV can be taken up via the peptide transporter PepT1
  • Skin models in dermatological research
  • Comparison with the full hormone α-MSH

KPV in blends

Besides pure KPV, Virexa Labs offers the Glow 80 blend, which contains KPV together with GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500 (50 + 10 + 10 + 10 mg). It is intended for setups in which several peptides are studied together.

Storage and quality

Store lyophilized KPV at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and keep the solution at 2–8 °C.

Every batch of KPV from Virexa Labs is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity; the COA is on the product page. KPV is not approved as a medicine and at Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research, not for human or veterinary use.

Products

Frequently asked questions

What does KPV stand for?

The one-letter codes of its three amino acids: lysine (K), proline (P) and valine (V).

Where does KPV come from?

KPV is the C-terminal fragment (amino acids 11–13) of the hormone alpha-MSH.

Is KPV a peptide?

Yes, a tripeptide of three amino acids, which makes it one of the smallest peptides in research.

Is KPV intended for human use?

No. KPV from Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.

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