Pancragen (KEDW / KEDW-NH2) is studied in vitro as a pancreas-directed short-peptide probe. In human pancreatic cell cultures it has been reported to increase expression of proliferation markers (Ki-67, PCNA) and matrix metalloproteinases, and to alter apoptosis-associated proteins, used experimentally to study acinar/islet differentiation and cell-proliferation signalling.
It functions as a molecular tool for probing transcriptional control of pancreatic endocrine/exocrine differentiation and glucose–insulin axis biomarkers in cellular and preclinical models. Observed effects depend on concentration, model system and exposure conditions; no physiological outcome is implied.
Applications in Research
- In-vitro study of pancreatic acinar / islet cell differentiation and proliferation/apoptosis markers
- Probe for tissue-specific transcriptional regulation
Specifications Summary
| Parameter |
Typical Value / Range |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥ 99% |
| Appearance |
White to off-white lyophilised powder |
| Molecular Weight |
576.60 g/mol |
| Peptide Type |
Synthetic tetrapeptide |
| Solubility |
Water, buffered aqueous solutions |
| Storage |
–20 °C, desiccated, dark |
| Pack Size |
20 mg (total) |
Precautions & Notes
- Confirm whether the supplied material is the free-acid (KEDW) or amidated (KEDW-NH2) form; molecular weights differ
- Experimental behaviour is dependent on concentration, model system and exposure conditions
- Prolonged exposure to light, elevated temperature or aqueous environments may reduce stability
- Intended strictly for laboratory research use; not for human or veterinary application
References
Khavinson VKh, et al. Study of biological activity of Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp-NH2 endogenous tetrapeptide. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2010.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21246099/
PubChem Compound Summary, CID 68451868 (H-Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp-NH2).
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/68451868
Khavinson VKh, Popovich IG, et al. Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2021;26(22):7053.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/22/7053
Keywords: Pancragen, KEDW, short peptide, synthetic tetrapeptide
