Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH stimulates expression of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins.

Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine2012PMID: 22977870

Animal StudyPinealon

Plain Language Summary

The tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH boosted production of structural proteins including actin, tubulin, vimentin, and nuclear lamins in mouse embryonic fibroblasts by two- to fivefold. This protein synthesis enhancement is likely what underlies the previously reported heart-protective effects of this peptide, since stronger cellular scaffolding promotes cell survival and reduces cell death. The finding connects the peptide's molecular activity to its broader protective biological function.

Abstract

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH enhances the expression of cytoskeletal (actin, tubulin, vimentin) and nuclear matrix proteins (lamin A, lamin C) in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts by 2-5 and 2-3 times, respectively. Thus, the previously reported cardioprotective activity of this tetrapeptide is determined by its capacity to activate synthesis of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins, which stimulates cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis.

Authors

Khavinson, V Kh; Lin'kova, N S; Polyakova, V O; Kvetnoy, I M; Benberin, V V; D'yakonov, M M; Titkov, Yu S