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N-Acetyl Semax Amidate vs. Semax: Understanding the Differences

Published April 2, 2025
N-Acetyl Semax Amidate vs. Semax: Understanding the Differences

Introduction

Semax and its derivative, N-Acetyl Semax Amidate, are synthetic peptides designed for research. Although they share a similar structure, there are key differences that researchers should understand when selecting compounds for their studies.

What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It was originally developed in Russia for research into cognitive function and neuroprotection. The peptide consists of a heptapeptide sequence that has been the subject of numerous studies.

Key Characteristics of Semax:

Molecular Weight: Approximately 813 Da
Sequence: Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro
Stability: Moderate stability in aqueous solutions
Research Focus: Cognitive function, neuroprotection

What is N-Acetyl Semax Amidate?

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate (NASA) is a modified version of Semax with two key structural changes: an acetyl group added to the N-terminus and an amide group at the C-terminus. These modifications are designed to potentially enhance the compound's stability and bioavailability for research purposes.

Key Characteristics of N-Acetyl Semax Amidate:

Molecular Weight: Approximately 854 Da
Modifications: N-acetylation and C-terminal amidation
Stability: Enhanced stability compared to standard Semax
Research Focus: Extended duration studies, enhanced delivery research

Structural Differences

The primary differences between these two compounds lie in their terminal modifications:

1. **N-Terminal Acetylation:** The addition of an acetyl group to the N-terminus of NASA helps protect the peptide from enzymatic degradation by aminopeptidases.
2. **C-Terminal Amidation:** The amide group at the C-terminus provides additional protection against carboxypeptidases and may influence receptor binding characteristics.

Research Applications

Both compounds are used exclusively for laboratory research purposes. Researchers select between them based on their specific experimental requirements, including:

- Duration of study protocols

- Stability requirements

- Specific binding studies

- Comparative analyses

Conclusion

Understanding the structural and functional differences between Semax and N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is essential for researchers designing experiments with these compounds. The modifications present in NASA may offer advantages for certain research applications, while standard Semax remains valuable for studies requiring the unmodified peptide structure.


This article is for informational purposes only. All products are intended for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.

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