Dihexa (PNB-0408) is a small-molecule oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV, engineered to potentiate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling at its receptor c-Met. For research teams studying synaptogenesis and neurotrophic signaling, it offers a metabolically stabilized model compound with high reported activity in cellular assays. Puritide Research supplies Dihexa as a high-purity, research-use-only material, synthesized for in vitro and animal-model work and backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis so your data rests on consistent, documented quality.
Product Specifications
- Application
- Neurotrophic and synaptogenesis pathway research (HGF / c-Met)
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C27H44N4O5
- PubChem SID
- 129010512
- CAS Number
- 1401708-83-5
- Molecular Weight
- ~504.66 g/mol
- Synonyms
- Dihexa, PNB-0408, N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide, N-hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-AHA
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is Dihexa?
Dihexa (PNB-0408), chemically N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide, is a modified oligopeptide developed from the angiotensin IV framework. Structural modifications, an N-terminal hexanoic acid cap and a C-terminal aminohexanoic amide, were introduced to improve metabolic stability and membrane permeability relative to the parent peptide.
In experimental settings, Dihexa is studied for its reported ability to bind hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and augment its interaction with the c-Met receptor, a pathway associated with cell growth, motility, and synapse formation. Cellular assays have described it as a highly potent enhancer of neurotrophic activity, making it a subject of interest for synaptogenesis and cognition research in model systems.
Present understanding of Dihexa derives from in vitro assays and animal models, and observations should be interpreted within their experimental context rather than treated as established physiological or clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies Dihexa strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
Dihexa Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
Dihexa is studied as a positive modulator of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling through the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
HGF / c-Met Potentiation
Research describes Dihexa as binding HGF and enhancing its ability to activate c-Met, thereby amplifying downstream signaling cascades associated with cellular growth and survival. Investigators use it to probe how a small peptidomimetic can act as a co-factor or potentiator rather than a direct receptor agonist.
Because c-Met signaling is linked to cytoskeletal remodeling and cell motility, Dihexa is employed in models examining the connection between growth-factor amplification and structural changes at the cellular level.
Synaptogenesis and Neurotrophic Modeling
A prominent application is the study of synapse formation. In cultured neuronal systems, Dihexa has been reported to promote the development of new synaptic connections, and researchers use these observations to investigate the relationship between HGF/c-Met activity and dendritic architecture.
The compound's engineered stability relative to angiotensin IV makes it a useful tool for time-dependent studies of neurotrophic signaling, allowing sustained receptor pathway engagement under controlled laboratory conditions.
Dihexa Research Applications
Dihexa is investigated across neuroscience and cell-biology studies as a peptidomimetic tool for exploring neurotrophic signaling and synaptic plasticity. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Synaptic Plasticity and Cognition Models
A primary application is investigating synaptogenesis and dendritic connectivity in cultured neurons and rodent models, where Dihexa is used to characterize how HGF/c-Met potentiation influences the formation and maintenance of synapses.
Dihexa is also employed in comparative work alongside its angiotensin IV parent and other neurotrophic agents to characterize differences in potency, stability, and signaling behavior without establishing therapeutic effect.
Growth-Factor Signaling Studies
Researchers use Dihexa to study growth-factor amplification mechanisms and receptor-tyrosine-kinase signaling more broadly, bridging mechanistic findings with investigations of tissue plasticity. These studies aim to improve understanding of receptor-mediated communication rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
Dihexa is a synthetic, lyophilized research compound for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As an investigational material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance. Consistent handling and documentation support reliable, reproducible outcomes.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each Dihexa batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.