Description
Structure & Identity
KPV is a tripeptide, Lys-Pro-Val, corresponding to residues 11 to 13 at the C-terminal end of alpha-MSH. Despite its small size, it retains a meaningful slice of the parent hormone’s signaling. Because it is only three amino acids, it is simple to synthesize and characterize, which is part of why it is a convenient research probe.
Research Background
KPV research centers on how a very small peptide engages melanocortin and NF-kB-pathway signaling, plus a separate antimicrobial-assay thread.
- Alpha-MSH fragment. KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH, retaining NF-kB-pathway signaling without the pigment activity [PMID: 12750433].
- Distinct mechanism. Work dissected its NF-kB-pathway signaling as different from the core alpha-MSH peptides [PMID: 12750433].
- Epithelial-cell models. It has been studied in murine gut-epithelial signaling models [PMID: 18092346].
- Cellular uptake. PepT1-mediated transporter uptake of KPV has been examined [PMID: 18061177].
- Antimicrobial thread. Alpha-MSH and its C-terminal sequences have shown activity in antimicrobial assays [PMID: 10670585].
These are research contexts, not approved uses.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
| Chemical name | KPV (Lys-Pro-Val), alpha-MSH(11-13) |
| Also Known As | alpha-MSH(11-13) |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
| Molecular weight | 342.4 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC |
| Length | 3 amino acids (tripeptide) |
| Identity | Confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white solid |
| Quantity | 10 mg per vial |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light |
| Solubility | Soluble in bacteriostatic or sterile water |
| Classification | Research use only |
Storage & Handling
Store the sealed vial frozen at -20°C, away from light, until use. Once prepared, keep the solution at 2-8°C and use it in your study within about two weeks. KPV is a small, relatively stable peptide, but warming the vial to room temperature before opening and avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles are still good practice.
Quality Assurance
KPV is produced to research-grade manufacturing standards and verified by an independent lab before release. Purity comes from reverse-phase HPLC and identity from mass spectrometry, carried out by third-party laboratories such as Janoshik Analytical along with domestic US labs. A certificate of analysis is issued for each batch, so its purity and identity data belong to the vial you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KPV?
KPV is a synthetic tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal end of alpha-MSH. It is studied in melanocortin and NF-kB-pathway signaling research and is supplied for research use only.
Why is KPV interesting despite being so small?
Because a three-amino-acid fragment appears to keep much of alpha-MSH’s NF-kB-pathway signaling while dropping the pigmentation activity of the full hormone. That focus is what makes it a useful research probe.
How does KPV relate to alpha-MSH?
KPV is residues 11 to 13 of alpha-MSH, its C-terminal tail. Researchers study it as the minimal fragment that carries the hormone’s NF-kB-pathway signal.
What is KPV’s sequence and molecular weight?
Its sequence is Lys-Pro-Val, its formula is C16H30N4O4, and its molecular weight is about 342.4 g/mol, with CAS number 67727-97-3.
Is KPV FDA approved?
No, KPV is not FDA approved as a drug. In 2026 an FDA advisory committee recommended it for a compounding list, but that is not an approval. This material is a research-use-only reference peptide, not for human or veterinary use.
How is KPV different from BPC-157 or GHK-Cu?
They are separate peptides studied for different pathways. KPV research focuses on alpha-MSH-related NF-kB-pathway signaling; BPC-157 on gastric-derived repair signaling; GHK-Cu on copper-tripeptide biology.
How should KPV be stored?
Keep the powder frozen at -20°C and protected from light. Once reconstituted for research, store at 2-8°C and use within about two weeks.
How is this KPV verified?
It is tested to ≥99% purity by reverse-phase HPLC with mass-spec identity confirmation by an independent lab, and each batch ships with a certificate of analysis.
