Dihexa: Scientific Profile
Publicado el · Actualizado el
Research compound derived from angiotensin IV with a high capacity to induce synaptic plasticity and to modulate the HGF/c-Met system in models of neurodegeneration.
Dihexa is a low-molecular-weight synthetic oligopeptide designed for neuroplasticity research. Its chemical structure allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, acting as a high-affinity ligand for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). In research settings, this compound has been observed to enhance c-Met receptor activity, resulting in a significant increase in synaptogenesis and the strengthening of existing neuronal connections.
Unlike other neurotrophic agents, Dihexa shows superior metabolic stability in study models, which allows its evaluation in oral and topical administration protocols. The scientific literature highlights its potential for investigating the recovery of cognitive functions in animal models with induced neuronal damage. Its mechanism is not limited to cellular protection but actively promotes the formation of new dendritic spines.
This compound is classified strictly as a chemical research reagent. Its study currently focuses on the repair of neuronal circuits and the compensation of synaptic deficits under experimental conditions of oxidative stress and accelerated cellular aging.
Mechanism of action
It acts as a potent small-molecule agonist that mimics and enhances the activity of HGF through binding to the high-affinity domain of the c-Met receptor. This interaction facilitates dimerization of the receptor, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that promote the expression of structural proteins in the neuron, facilitating the formation of new synapses and dendritic branching.
Mechanism summary
Allosteric modulator of the HGF/c-Met system that promotes synaptogenesis and the repair of neural networks in research settings.
Clinical Studies (5)
- Stem cell, Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor and/or Dihexa to promote limb function recovery in a rat sciatic nerve damage-repair model: Experimental animal studies (Weiss JB et al. · Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) · 2021) PMID 34703584.
- AngIV-Analog Dihexa Rescues Cognitive Impairment and Recovers Memory in the APP/PS1 Mouse via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway (Sun X et al. · Brain sciences · 2021) PMID 34827486.
- Evaluation of metabolically stabilized angiotensin IV analogs as procognitive/antidementia agents (McCoy, et al. · Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2013) PMID 23055539. [Con expresion de preocupacion editorial vigente. Interpretar con cautela.]
- The procognitive and synaptogenic effects of angiotensin IV-derived peptides are dependent on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met system (Benoist, et al. · Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2014) PMID 25187433. [RETRACTED in April 2025 for falsification of figures and data (notice: PMID 40312093). It does not constitute evidence.]
- The development of small molecule angiotensin IV analogs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. (Wright JW, et al. · Prog Neurobiol · 2015) PMID 25455861.
Warnings
Dihexa is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- For laboratory use only in controlled settings
- Requires purity analysis by HPLC before any assay
- Its safety in long-term exposures in living models has not been determined
- Models with active neoplasms (due to the HGF/c-Met pathway)
- Research in subjects with a history of abnormal cell proliferation
- Undocumented interaction with inhibitors of cellular signaling
Technical data
- CAS
- 1401708-83-5
- Molecular formula
- C27H44N4O5
- Molecular weight
- 504.66 Da
- Compound type
- peptide
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- Not applicable for solid format; 14 days in refrigerated solution
- Light-sensitive
- No
Available for research
Dihexa is available as a research reagent (RUO):
Frequently asked questions about Dihexa
What is Dihexa?
Research compound derived from angiotensin IV with a high capacity to induce synaptic plasticity and to modulate the HGF/c-Met system in models of neurodegeneration.
What is the mechanism of action of Dihexa?
Allosteric modulator of the HGF/c-Met system that promotes synaptogenesis and the repair of neural networks in research settings.
What is Dihexa investigated for?
In preclinical research, Dihexa is studied mainly in: Research on the improvement of synaptic plasticity; Study of the regeneration of neuronal circuits; Modulation of the c-Met receptor in brain tissue. Material exclusively for scientific research.
What are the chemical properties of Dihexa?
Molecular formula C27H44N4O5; molecular weight 504.66 Da; CAS number 1401708-83-5.
How is Dihexa stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; estabilidad liofilizado: 24 meses; una vez reconstituido: No aplica para formato sólido; 14 días en solución refrigerada.
What routes of administration are studied for Dihexa?
In research models the following are described: Oral, Topical, Subcutaneous. Use is exclusively for scientific research.