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Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3)

Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3, CAS 868844-74-0) is an acetylated octapeptide (Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH₂) with a molecular weight of approximately 1,075.1 Da. Designed as an extended mimetic of the N-terminal SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa) sequence, Snap-8 is a competitive inhibitor of the SNARE complex formation required for neurotransmitter vesicle docking and exocytosis. It is a key research tool in neuromuscular junction biology and cosmetic dermatology for studying wrinkle formation mechanisms.

Technical Specifications

Property Value
CAS Number 868844-74-0
Molecular Formula C₄₁H₇₀N₁₆O₁₆S
Molecular Weight ~1,075.1 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

Snap-8 functions as a competitive inhibitor of SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complex assembly at the presynaptic membrane of neuromuscular junctions. The peptide mimics the N-terminal α-helical domain of SNAP-25, a t-SNARE protein that normally pairs with syntaxin-1 and synaptobrevin/VAMP to form the four-helix bundle SNARE complex. By competing with native SNAP-25 for complex assembly, Snap-8 prevents the formation of functional SNARE complexes, thereby inhibiting the calcium-dependent fusion of acetylcholine-containing synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. Reduced acetylcholine release into the synaptic cleft leads to decreased activation of postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) on muscle fibers, resulting in reduced muscle contraction intensity. In research models of dynamic facial wrinkles (caused by repetitive muscle contraction), this mechanism produces a measurable reduction in muscle contraction depth without complete paralysis. Unlike botulinum neurotoxins that cleave SNARE proteins, Snap-8 acts as a reversible, competitive inhibitor.

Research Applications

  • Primary: SNARE complex assembly — synaptic vesicle docking/exocytosis, neuromuscular transmission pharmacology
  • Secondary: Anti-wrinkle mechanism research (expression line models), acetylcholine release modulation, cosmetic peptide delivery systems
  • Model Systems: In vitro (neuronal SNARE complex reconstitution assays, neuromuscular junction preparations), in vivo (skin contraction models, transdermal peptide delivery studies)

Quality Control & Analytical Methods

  • HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
  • Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation (~1,075.1 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

  • Blanes-Mira et al. (2002) — A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with anti-wrinkle activity that inhibits SNARE complex formation. Int J Cosmet Sci. PMID: 18498589
  • Gutierrez et al. (2013) — Development of Snap-8, an extended octapeptide inhibitor of SNARE complex formation. J Cosmet Sci. [PubMed search: Snap-8 SNAP-25 peptide]
  • Jahn & Scheller (2006) — SNAREs — engines for membrane fusion. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. PMID: 16912714

Source & Purchase

For researchers requiring research-grade SNAP 8 with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.

View SNAP 8 Product →

FAQ

Q: What purity level is standard for Snap-8? A: HK Peptides supplies Snap-8 at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.

Q: How should Snap-8 be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized Snap-8 should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).