Research Peptide Glossary, Best Peptides For You

Agonist: A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a downstream cellular response.
Antagonist: A molecule that binds to a receptor and blocks it, preventing other molecules from activating it.
Bacteriostatic water: Sterile water preserved with 0.9% benzyl alcohol, used for reconstituting lyophilized peptides.
Bias signaling: When different ligands at the same receptor preferentially activate one downstream signaling pathway over another.
CAS number: A unique identifier assigned by Chemical Abstracts Service to every chemical substance.
CoA, Certificate of Analysis: A document issued by a supplier confirming the purity, identity and other specifications of a specific batch.
DPP-IV: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4, an enzyme that degrades native incretin peptides within minutes of their secretion.
Endotoxin: A bacterial component that can trigger inflammatory responses; tested for in compounds destined for in-vivo work.
GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone with effects on insulin secretion, gastric emptying and appetite.
GIP: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, an incretin hormone that synergizes with GLP-1.
Half-life: The time required for the concentration of a compound to fall to half its initial value.
HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography, the standard method for measuring peptide purity.
IGF-1: Insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone with anabolic effects on muscle and other tissues.
LC-MS: Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, the standard method for confirming peptide identity.
Lyophilized: Freeze-dried; the standard form in which research peptides are supplied for shelf stability.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a compound is absorbed, distributed, metabolized and eliminated by an organism.
Receptor downregulation: The reduction in the number of cell-surface receptors in response to chronic activation.
Senolytic: A class of compounds that selectively induce the death of senescent cells.
Tachyphylaxis: A rapid decrease in the response to a compound after repeated doses, distinct from receptor downregulation.
Telomerase: An enzyme that adds DNA repeats to the ends of chromosomes, partially counteracting telomere shortening.
Tirzepatide: A synthetic peptide that acts as a dual agonist at the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
Triagonist: A peptide that activates three different receptors, typically GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, simultaneously.