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Dihexa: Synaptogenesis and HGF/MET Pathway Research
May
- Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a small-molecule angiotensin IV analogue with MW 474.6 Da, developed at Washington State University.
- Acts as a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) / c-Met receptor cascade potentiator — a synaptogenesis mechanism distinct from BDNF/TrkB signalling.
- Small size and stable structure provide research-tool access to synaptogenesis pharmacology without large-peptide pharmacokinetic limitations.
What is Dihexa?
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic-amide) is a small-molecule angiotensin IV analogue with a molecular weight of 474.6 Da. Developed at Washington State University, the compound is engineered for orally bioavailable, blood-brain-barrier-permeable synaptogenesis research applications — distinct from the larger peptide compounds in the neurological research category. Researchers can access Dihexa research peptide at Advanced Peptide Science at 99%+ HPLC-verified purity.
Research Background and the HGF/c-Met Pathway
Dihexa emerged from research into angiotensin IV analogues with enhanced synaptogenic activity. The compound was selected for stability and CNS bioavailability properties supporting research applications. Mechanistically, Dihexa engages the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) / c-Met receptor cascade — a synaptogenesis pathway investigated independently of the more widely studied BDNF/TrkB signalling. This receptor-pathway distinction makes Dihexa a research tool for dissecting BDNF-mediated vs HGF-mediated synaptogenic mechanisms within the Cognitive & Neurological category.
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism research investigates Dihexa potentiation of the HGF/c-Met receptor cascade. HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) is the natural ligand for the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, with downstream effects on cell proliferation, migration, and — in CNS contexts — synaptogenesis. Dihexa is hypothesised to enhance HGF binding to c-Met or downstream c-Met signalling, supporting synaptogenic responses in cortical and hippocampal neurons. Additional research examines interactions with AT4 (angiotensin IV) and IRAP (insulin-regulated aminopeptidase) receptors — reflecting Dihexa’s angiotensin IV analogue origin.
Key Research Findings
HGF/c-Met Cascade Potentiation
The c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase activates downstream PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and additional signalling cascades supporting cellular survival, proliferation, and morphogenesis. In CNS contexts, the cascade supports synaptogenesis — the formation of new synaptic connections between neurons. Dihexa research investigates pharmacological enhancement of this cascade as a synaptogenesis research framework.
BDNF-Independent Synaptogenesis
BDNF/TrkB signalling is the most widely studied synaptogenesis pathway in neuroscience research. Dihexa’s HGF/c-Met mechanism is operationally independent of BDNF/TrkB, making it a research tool for investigating synaptogenesis mechanisms parallel to and complementary with BDNF-driven research. Combined research using both pathway-modulators enables dissection of overlapping vs distinct synaptogenic contributions.
AT4 and IRAP Receptor Interactions
As an angiotensin IV analogue, Dihexa’s pharmacology also includes interactions with AT4 receptors and the IRAP enzyme. Research investigates whether these interactions contribute to the synaptogenic effects or represent independent angiotensin-pathway pharmacology.
Research Applications and Comparison
Dihexa’s research applications include synaptogenesis pharmacology, BDNF-vs-HGF mechanism dissection, AT4/IRAP receptor pharmacology, and CNS small-molecule research. Comparative research within the Cognitive & Neurological category includes the larger Cerebrolysin neurotrophic mixture (multiple growth factors including BDNF), the Russian neuropeptides Semax (BDNF upregulator) and Selank (GABA-A modulator), and the TREK-1 channel blocker PE-22-28.
Research Specifications
| Molecular Weight | 474.6 Da |
| Chemistry | N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide (small molecule, angiotensin IV analogue) |
| Primary Mechanism | HGF/c-Met receptor cascade potentiation |
| Origin | Washington State University |
| Format | Lyophilized powder in sterile vial |
| Purity | ≥ 99% (HPLC verified) |
| Storage | -20 °C, protect from light |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Dihexa different from BDNF-targeting research compounds?
Dihexa engages the HGF/c-Met receptor cascade for synaptogenesis research — a pathway operationally independent of BDNF/TrkB signalling. This makes Dihexa a research tool for investigating BDNF-mediated vs HGF-mediated synaptogenic mechanisms.
What does Dihexa’s angiotensin IV origin contribute?
Dihexa was engineered from angiotensin IV as the starting structural template. The angiotensin IV pharmacology contributes AT4 receptor and IRAP enzyme interactions alongside the HGF/c-Met effects — making Dihexa a multi-pathway research tool.
Where can researchers source Dihexa?
Dihexa research peptide is available at Advanced Peptide Science at 99%+ HPLC-verified purity in 50mg and 100mg vials plus kit configurations.
Is Dihexa approved for human use?
Advanced Peptide Science supplies Dihexa exclusively for in vitro and in vivo scientific research. Not for human consumption. Research use only.
For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
