BPC-157 is a stable 15-residue gastric-juice-derived pentadecapeptide with one of the most-cited tissue-research literatures of the modern era. Full profile: sequence, mechanism, stability and COA reference.
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a 15-residue synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a partial sequence of a human gastric-juice protein. Its notable stability under acidic aqueous conditions — an unusual property for a short unmodified peptide — is one reason it is among the most-cited stable gastric peptides in in-vitro and animal-model tissue-research literature.
This reference consolidates the sequence and structural identity of BPC-157, the published signalling pathways referenced in the peer-reviewed literature, stability characteristics that matter for research handling, and the analytical documentation that should appear on a BPC-157 COA. All content is strictly research-use-only.
Structural identity
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Sequence (single letter) | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV |
| Length | 15 residues (pentadecapeptide) |
| Average molecular mass | ~1419.5 Da |
| Disulfide bridges | None |
| Origin | Partial sequence of a human gastric juice protein |
| Modifications | None (native sequence) |
Published research signalling
Peer-reviewed in-vitro and animal-model literature (Sikiric and colleagues; independent tissue-model groups) describes BPC-157 engagement of VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2), endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and downstream nitric-oxide signalling, as well as modulation of growth-factor pathways relevant to vascular and mucosal research. Findings are observational within the model systems studied and do not establish outcomes in humans.
| Reported pathway | Model system | Reference axis |
|---|---|---|
| VEGFR2 activation | Endothelial cell culture | Angiogenesis research |
| eNOS / NO signalling | Vascular preparations | Vascular tone research |
| Growth-factor modulation | Tendon and mucosal models | Tissue-research literature |
| Dopaminergic / serotonergic axes | CNS animal models | Ancillary reference literature |
Stability profile
- Stable in aqueous solution at low pH — an unusual property for a short unmodified peptide.
- Lyophilised powder stable long-term at −20 °C, desiccated and light-protected.
- Reconstituted aqueous stocks (bacteriostatic water) typically retain integrity at 2–8 °C for short-term assay windows.
- Aliquot on reconstitution; avoid repeated freeze–thaw of working stocks.
Comparison with TB-500 in tissue research
| Attribute | BPC-157 | TB-500 (Tβ4 fragment) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15 residues | Bioactive fragment of 43-mer Tβ4 |
| Primary mechanism | VEGFR2 / NO signalling | Actin sequestration (LKKTETQ motif) |
| Origin | Gastric juice fragment | Thymus-derived actin regulator |
| Common research pairing | Frequently combined with TB-500 | Frequently combined with BPC-157 |
Documentation checkpoints on a BPC-157 COA
- Batch identifier and synthesis date traceable to the lot record
- HPLC purity ≥98% (typically ≥99% for peptides under 30 residues)
- LC-MS confirmed monoisotopic or average mass within ±0.5 Da of theoretical
- Counterion identity and content (acetate or trifluoroacetate) reported
- Bacterial endotoxin and residual solvents per the analytical method
What does BPC-157 stand for?
BPC-157 stands for Body Protection Compound-157. It is a 15-residue synthetic pentadecapeptide corresponding to a partial sequence of a human gastric-juice protein.
What is the BPC-157 amino acid sequence?
The single-letter sequence is GEPPPGKPADDAGLV — 15 residues, no disulfide bridges, average mass approximately 1419.5 Da.
What pathways does BPC-157 engage in the published literature?
Peer-reviewed in-vitro and animal-model literature describes engagement of VEGFR2, endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and downstream nitric-oxide signalling, alongside growth-factor pathway modulation in tissue-research models. These are observations within model systems.
Why is BPC-157 considered unusually stable?
BPC-157 retains structural integrity in aqueous solution at acidic pH, which is uncommon for a short unmodified peptide. This stability profile is part of the reason it is one of the most-cited stable gastric peptides in research literature.
How should BPC-157 be stored for research?
Lyophilised powder is stored desiccated at −20 °C, light-protected. Reconstituted aqueous stocks are typically kept at 2–8 °C for short-term assay use; aliquot on reconstitution to avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Why is BPC-157 often paired with TB-500 in research?
BPC-157 acts primarily through VEGFR2/NO signalling while TB-500 acts through actin sequestration. The two mechanisms do not overlap, which is why they are frequently profiled together in tissue-research protocols.
Is BPC-157 approved for human use in New Zealand?
No. BPC-157 is not an approved therapeutic in New Zealand. It is supplied strictly as a research-use-only reference standard for in-vitro laboratory work.
