Stem cells are special body cells that can form new cell types. A single undifferentiated stem cell can transform into 200 different specific cells. These cells act as the raw material of the body. After differentiating into other cells, they form every organ system. Scientists have studied this unique healing capacity of stem cells for decades. Stem cells represent the holy grail of medicine and could be a potential cure for every disease.
Recent research is now studying how peptides could activate stem cell activity.
Peptides are smaller molecules of amino acids in the body. They can interact with the stem cells to produce cellular types.
Studies have shown the promising effects of many peptides in stem cell activation. Below are a few examples of such peptides.
Thymosin beta-4 can trigger stem cells that could be useful for brain-related disorders.
Thymosin is a small molecule containing 43 amino acids. It is related to muscle health in the body. Thymosin beta-4 can help in tissue repair and rejuvenation by activating stem cells. It can play a role in reversing sports injuries and remodeling damaged tissue. Thymosin causes muscle recovery by two mechanisms. It causes hyperplasia of muscle cells, an increase in muscle cell number. It also causes an increase in muscle cell size, known as hypertrophy.
Thymosin triggers Mesenchymal stem cells, which can form new muscles. It can promote mesenchyme proliferation and then specified differentiation to heal sports injuries and muscle issues.
Thymosin helps recover damage to heart muscles. In one research, mice underwent coronary artery ligation. Experts gave Thymosin to document its healing properties. The research concluded that Thymosin promotes migration of muscle cells, survival, and early repair in myocardial infarction. It is effective in repairing heart muscle, just like skeletal muscles.
Thymosin is neuroprotective and neurorestorative for brain cells. It can trigger stem cells that could be useful for brain-related disorders.
GHK-Cu promotes the survival of basal stem cells
GHK-Cu is a naturally present small peptide in human plasma with multiple biological actions. This peptide got its name because it binds copper ions and causes gene expression. It is also released from damaged tissues and stimulates angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, glycosamides synthesis, and enhances the activity of fibroblasts.
GHK-Cu is a powerful regenerative and protective tripeptide. It finds use in many skin and hair products. It can improve skin elasticity, tighten loose skin, smooth rough skin, reduce wrinkles, reverse thinning and enhance overall skin appearance. It stimulates hair growth in the same fashion as the skin. GHK-Cu improves wound healing reduces free ions and inflammation.
In stem cells, GHK-Cu causes a recovering effect in the skin to promote the survival of basal stem cells. This way, it improves healing and prevents scar formation. Studies suggest that GHK-Cu increases the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). A higher concentration of VEGFs improves endothelial cell perforation and new tubules formation. It impacts the human genome by secreting trophic factors from mesenchymal stem cells.
PEG-MGF can activate muscle stem cells
Pegylated mechano growth factor is an isoform of IGF-1 with strong anabolic effects. It is oriented to muscle mass health and recovery. MGF triggers muscle growth by hypertrophy and repair of muscle injuries. It has got a neuroprotective impact and protects heart health. It can activate muscle stem cells for improved muscle and bone health. PEG-MGF regulates migration and expression of mesenchymal stem cells to enhance rBMSCs ability.
ARA-290
ARA-290 is a linear peptide with 11 amino acids designed to mitigate inflammatory changes in the body through IRR (innate repair receptor). It is a variant of erythropoietin receipt, suppresses cytokines to activate anti-inflammatory pathways, and supports tissue repair in neuronal cells.
ARA-290 targets innate repair receptors in cells. This repair helps to treat neuropathic conditions like sarcoidosis.
Hydrogels
Hydrogels are polymer structures with the ability to imbibe large amounts of water. They exhibit fascinating effects in promoting health. These reticulated structures do not lose their configuration in water, making them ideal scaffolds for biomedical treatments.
In stem cells, hydrogels promote the neuropathic ability of human adipose-derived stem cells to deliver growth factors at the injury site.
Cerebrolysin influences stem cells to help the body survive and recover better
Cerebrolysin is a small peptide with free amino acids which stimulates the growth of brain cells and nerves. It has promising neurotrophic and neuroprotective abilities.
It mimics natural neurotrophic factors. It is beneficial in a variety of brain disorders. It could also be helpful for patients with a head injury. It is helpful in elderly patients as part of the initial management of brain trauma. AOD-9604, BPC-157, DSIP, and IGF-1 are other peptides that can influence stem cells to help the body survive and recover.
Disclaimer: The products mentioned are not for human or animal consumption. All the information shared in this article is for educational purposes only.