Dermorphin¶
Dermorphin (CAS 77614-16-5) is a naturally occurring heptapeptide amide (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH₂) originally isolated from the skin of the South American tree frog Phyllomedusa sauvagei, with a molecular weight of approximately 802.9 Da. Dermorphin is one of the most potent and selective μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists known — approximately 100–1,000 times more potent than morphine in receptor binding assays — due to its unique D-alanine residue at position 2. It is an important research tool for studying opioid receptor pharmacology, analgesia, and structure-activity relationships at GPCRs.
Technical Specifications¶
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 77614-16-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₀H₅₀N₈O₁₀ |
| Molecular Weight | ~802.9 Da |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Appearance | Lyophilized white powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in sterile water and aqueous buffers |
| Storage | -20°C (lyophilized), 2–8°C (reconstituted) |
Mechanism of Action¶
Dermorphin binds with sub-nanomolar affinity to the μ-opioid receptor (MOR, OPRM1), a Gαi/o-coupled GPCR expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. MOR activation inhibits adenylyl cyclase through Gαi, reducing intracellular cAMP levels, while Gβγ subunits directly activate G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels and inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels (N-type and P/Q-type). The net effect is neuronal hyperpolarization and suppression of neurotransmitter release at primary afferent pain synapses in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and at descending pain-modulatory pathways in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostroventral medulla (RVM). The D-Ala² residue is structurally critical: it confers complete resistance to aminopeptidase-N degradation (which normally cleaves Tyr¹-Gly² in endogenous enkephalins), dramatically enhancing metabolic stability and enabling the high MOR selectivity by preventing δ-opioid receptor (DOR) cross-recognition. The frog-derived D-amino acid makes dermorphin a standout example of D-amino acid utilization in vertebrate bioactive peptides.
Research Applications¶
- Primary: μ-opioid receptor pharmacology — MOR structure-activity relationships, Gαi/o signaling, biased agonism
- Secondary: Analgesia mechanisms (spinal and supraspinal), opioid tolerance and dependence models, amphibian bioactive peptide discovery
- Model Systems: In vitro (MOR-transfected cell lines, radioligand binding, [³⁵S]GTPγS functional assays), in vivo (tail-flick and hot-plate analgesia models, opioid receptor knockout mice)
Quality Control & Analytical Methods¶
- HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
- Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation (~802.9 Da)
- Peptide Content: Amino acid analysis (AAA) for net peptide content determination
- Endotoxin: <1 EU/mg (LAL assay)
- TFA Content: <1% (ion chromatography)
Stability & Storage¶
| Condition | Stability |
|---|---|
| -20°C (lyophilized) | 24 months |
| 4°C (lyophilized) | 6 months |
| 25°C (lyophilized) | 1 month |
| Reconstituted (4°C) | 7 days |
| Reconstituted (-20°C) | 30 days |
Key Research References¶
- Montecucchi et al. (1981) — Amino acid composition and sequence of dermorphin, a novel opiate-like peptide from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei. Int J Pept Protein Res. PMID: 21109173
- Amiche et al. (1993) — Dermorphin and deltorphin: naturally occurring peptides with high selectivity for μ- and δ-opioid receptors. Mol Pharmacol. PMID: 12169806
- Melchiorri & Negri (1996) — The dermorphin peptide family. Gen Pharmacol. PMID: 9056841
Source & Purchase¶
For researchers requiring research-grade DERMORPHIN with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.
Related Molecules¶
- Selank — Nootropic peptide with anxiolytic properties
- DSIP — Delta sleep-inducing peptide
- Oxytocin — Neurohypophyseal hormone
- All Product Specifications
FAQ¶
Q: What purity level is standard for Dermorphin? A: HK Peptides supplies Dermorphin at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.
Q: How should Dermorphin be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized Dermorphin should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).