P-21 — Research Summary

Research Use Only · Not for Human or Veterinary Use

CNTF-derived synthetic peptide studied for neurogenesis, cognitive enhancement,

P-21

An evidence summary of published preclinical research on P-21. This page is educational and summarizes findings reported in third-party scientific literature. No claims are made regarding safety or efficacy in humans.

Molecular Data

FORMULA C30H48N8O10
MOLECULAR WEIGHT 668.75 g/mol
SEQUENCE Ac-DGGL-AG (modified CNTF epitope, 11-mer derivative)

Compound Overview

P-21 is a synthetic peptide derived from the active region of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF), a neurotrophin involved in neuronal survival and differentiation. Developed by Dr. Khalid Iqbal's research group at the New York State Institute for Basic Research, P-21 was designed to mimic the neurogenic and neurotrophic properties of CNTF while being small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, which full-length CNTF cannot do.

Reported Mechanism (Preclinical)

P-21 inhibits leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling, which normally acts as an endogenous brake on neurogenesis. By blocking LIF receptor-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation, P-21 disinhibits neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and subventricular zone. Research also suggests it enhances BDNF expression and reduces tau hyperphosphorylation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Mechanisms described above are reported in preclinical (animal and in vitro) literature and have not been established for human use.

Key Research Highlights

  • Rescued cognitive deficits and promoted neurogenesis in 3xTg-AD Alzheimer's mouse model (Bolognin et al., 2014)
  • Increased dentate gyrus neurogenesis by approximately 45% in aged wild-type mice
  • Reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary pathology in transgenic models
  • Demonstrated blood-brain barrier permeability via peripheral administration
  • Improved spatial learning and memory consolidation in Morris water maze testing

Published References

  1. P-21, a CNTF peptide, rescues neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits in AD model mice
    Mol Neurobiol, 2014
  2. A CNTF-derived peptide promotes neurogenesis and rescues cognitive impairment
    Neuroscience, 2012
  3. Neurogenic and neuroprotective effects of CNTF-derived peptides
    J Alzheimers Dis, 2015

Available for Research

Lab-tested, third-party COA published, U.S. ships same day.

View Product · P-21 View COA Library
Compliance Notice: American Peptides products are sold strictly for laboratory and academic research purposes only. They are not intended for human or veterinary consumption, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease. All content on this page is educational in nature, summarizes findings from preclinical literature, and does not constitute medical advice or product claims. Researchers are responsible for handling these compounds in accordance with their institution's safety protocols and applicable laws.