Skin Research and the SNAP-8 Peptide

SNAP-8 is the N-terminus of SNAP-25. It has been suggested to influence production by competing with SNAP-25 for its position in the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex is a large protein family that is considered to generate energy through protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions while promoting membrane fusion. Any changes to the SNARE complex may inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles, halting muscle contraction and preventing wrinkle development and creases along the skin surface.

SNAP-8 peptide, also known as Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1, is a hexapeptide Argireline elongation. SNAP-8, like other hexapeptide-based peptides, may exert an anti-wrinkling action on the extracellular matrix of the skin (ECM).^[1] The peptide may potentially prevent the disruption of the lipid matrix’s packing. SNAP-8 peptide is unique, as it appears to target the wrinkling mechanism in a novel and distinct manner.^[2]

 

SNAP-8 Peptide Research

Muscle contraction occurs following the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles. The SNARE complex is considered to be required for muscle contraction because it appears to act as a cellular hook, capturing vesicles and fusing them with the membrane to allow neurotransmitters to be released. Wrinkling occurs when muscles contract repeatedly. SNAP-8 peptide destabilizes the SNARE complex’s functions, causing vesicles to stop producing neurotransmitters efficiently and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

SNAP-8 peptide may also inhibit catecholamine release, resulting in the reduction of existing wrinkling. Catecholamine inhibition may also affect the stabilization process in muscle contraction regulation by activating the Ca2+ ion. SNAP-8 peptide appears to induce endogenous collagen production and release which may strengthen the skin structure.^[3] SNAP-8 peptide may act as a muscle contraction inhibitor, allowing muscles to achieve high homeostasis levels.^[4] SNAP-8 peptide may potentially reduce the severity of wrinkles, in some studies citing reduction up to 63.13%. The peptide’s potency appears to be 30% higher than its parent peptide, Argireline.

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is considered to function to excite neurons. Study findings indicate that combining SNAP-8 with Leuphasyl may have a stronger inhibitory effect on glutamate than single peptides. Meanwhile, glutamate appears to stimulate muscle contraction, resulting in wrinkling. As a result of inhibiting glutamate release, wrinkles and fine lines may potentially be avoided.^[5] Researchers conclude that the peptide works by “preventing neuromuscular signal propagation, thereby eliminating wrinkles caused by over-stimulated neurons.” Researchers performed a skin topography analysis to determine the efficacy of a 10% concentration of SNAP-8 solution, obtaining silicon imprints from the eye region. Data concluded that wrinkle depths decreased to different degrees following the study.

A similar experiment was performed with a 10% Argireline solution. The results suggested that the control group exhibited a -2.99% wrinkle reduction, Argireline exhibited a -27.05% reduction, and SNAP-8 peptide reported a -34.98% wrinkle reduction. Following these comparisons, 10% of SNAP-8 solutions appeared to have achieved a maximum wrinkle reduction of -63.13%.^[6] Indeed, the scientists conclude that “According to the data available in the manufacturer’s website, maximum wrinkle reduction strives for−62%, with the mean value at the level of −35%.”

 

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References

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1. Ji, Moongi, et al. “Method development for acetyl octapeptide-3 analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.” Journal of Analytical Science and Technology 11 (2020): 1-7.
2. Backardzhiev, Ilko, and Dona Filcheva. “Peptides in dermatocosmetics.” Journal of Varna Medical College 4.1 (2022): 45-49.
3. Avcil, Muhammet, et al. “Efficacy of bioactive peptides loaded on hyaluronic acid microneedle patches: A monocentric clinical study.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 19.2 (2020): 328-337.
4. Raposio, Edoardo, et al. “EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF VIPER SERUM FOR TOPICAL USE AS FACIAL ANTI-AGING.” (2009).
5. Gutierrez, Luis M., et al. “A peptide that mimics the C-terminal sequence of SNAP-25 inhibits secretory vesicle docking in chromaffin cells.” Journal of Biological Chemistry 272.5 (1997): 2634-2639.
6. Errante F, Ledwoń P, Latajka R, Rovero P, Papini AM. Cosmeceutical Peptides in the Framework of Sustainable Wellness Economy. Front Chem. 2020;8:572923. Published 2020 Oct 30. doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.572923.