KPV is a synthetic C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), composed of the three amino acids Lys-Pro-Val (Lysine-Proline-Valine). It retains melanocortin receptor binding activity at a significantly reduced molecular size (~342 Da) compared to the full α-MSH peptide. CAS: 83702-02-7. For research use only.

KPV Research Compound | α-MSH Tripeptide

Q: What is KPV's relationship to α-MSH?

KPV represents the C-terminal tripeptide sequence of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Published research has examined how this minimal fragment retains the ability to interact with melanocortin receptor subtypes, particularly MC1R and MC3R, which are also targeted by the full α-MSH peptide.

Q: What research areas is KPV studied in?

Published research has examined KPV in the following preclinical and cell-model contexts: MC1R/MC3R receptor mechanism research, intestinal epithelial barrier research in cell models, NF-κB pathway modulation research in preclinical models, cytokine signaling research in cell models, and mucosal tissue research in animal models.

Q: What size does Sequence Labs offer KPV in?

Sequence Labs offers KPV as a research compound in 10mg vials, lyophilized powder form, independently tested by Krause Analytical via HPLC and mass spectrometry with a full COA available.

Q: How is KPV reconstituted for research use?

To prepare a KPV research sample, introduce an appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water or sterile solvent into the vial using standard laboratory reconstitution technique. Swirl gently — do not shake vigorously. Store reconstituted research samples per your laboratory's SOP. For research use only. Not for human use.

Q: Is KPV for human use?

No. KPV from Sequence Labs is supplied strictly for in vitro and preclinical research purposes. It is not intended for human use, human consumption, or clinical application. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Compound Overview

What Is KPV?

KPV is a synthetic tripeptide composed of three amino acids in sequence: Lysine (Lys), Proline (Pro), and Valine (Val). It represents the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) — the last three residues of that 13-amino-acid neuropeptide.

Published research has examined whether this minimal C-terminal fragment retains meaningful melanocortin receptor binding activity. Studies in cell models have evaluated KPV's interaction with MC1R and MC3R receptor subtypes — the same melanocortin receptor targets engaged by the full α-MSH peptide — at significantly reduced molecular weight.

At approximately 342 Da, KPV is among the smallest peptide fragments that have been examined in melanocortin receptor research contexts. Its compact size has made it a subject of preclinical models investigating mucosal tissue and intestinal epithelial barrier cell systems.

For research use only. Not for human use. Not for clinical or diagnostic application.

Technical Specifications

Compound KPV
Full Name Lys-Pro-Val
Source α-MSH C-terminal
Molecular Formula C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄
Molecular Weight ~342 Da
CAS Number 83702-02-7
Classification Tripeptide
Research Grade ≥98% purity
SL Vial Size 10 mg
Form Lyophilized powder

Published Research Areas

Research Background

The following research areas represent contexts in which published literature has examined KPV or closely related α-MSH C-terminal sequences in preclinical and cell-model settings.

MC1R / MC3R Receptor Mechanism Research

Published research has examined KPV's binding activity at melanocortin receptor subtypes MC1R and MC3R. These G-protein-coupled receptors are implicated in a range of signaling cascades, and KPV's compact structure has made it a subject of mechanistic receptor research in cell-free and cell-based assay systems.

Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Research in Cell Models

Published research has examined KPV's effects on intestinal epithelial cell lines in vitro. Researchers have investigated tight junction protein expression and barrier integrity markers in cell model systems. These findings remain confined to controlled laboratory cell culture models.

NF-κB Pathway Modulation Research in Preclinical Models

Published research has examined KPV's relationship to NF-κB signaling pathway activity in preclinical model systems. The NF-κB pathway is a transcription factor system studied extensively in the context of cellular stress and immune signaling. Observations have been noted in rodent model contexts.

Cytokine Signaling Research in Cell Models

Published research has examined KPV's influence on cytokine-related signaling in isolated cell model systems. Research has focused on interleukin and related signaling markers measured in vitro. These studies were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions and do not reflect outcomes in living organisms.

Mucosal Tissue Research in Animal Models

Published research has examined KPV in rodent mucosal tissue models. Studies have evaluated delivery method parameters and tissue-level markers in gastrointestinal mucosal preparations. Findings derive entirely from preclinical animal model research and have not been validated in human subjects.

Browse KPV / α-MSH Publications on PubMed →

Research Context

KPV vs BPC-157 — Different Receptor Mechanisms, Overlapping GI Research Models

KPV

C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH (Lys-Pro-Val)
Melanocortin receptor mechanism: MC1R / MC3R
~342 Da — one of the smallest melanocortin research fragments
Research in intestinal epithelial barrier cell models
NF-κB and cytokine pathway research in preclinical models
Mucosal tissue research in rodent model systems

BPC-157

15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from gastric protein
Nitric oxide (NO) and growth factor pathway research
~1,419 Da — larger peptide structure
Research in gastrointestinal mucosal and tissue models
VEGF and angiogenesis pathway research in preclinical models
Musculoskeletal tissue research in rodent model systems

Both KPV and BPC-157 have been studied in preclinical and cell model contexts relevant to gastrointestinal research, but their proposed mechanisms of action are distinct. KPV research focuses on melanocortin receptor signaling (MC1R/MC3R), while BPC-157 research centers on NO/growth factor-related pathways. Neither compound is approved for human use. All comparisons reflect published preclinical and cell-model research only. For research use only. Not for human use.

Sequence Labs Supply

KPV — 10mg Research Vial

~$45 per 10mg vial

✓ 10mg lyophilized powder — research-grade KPV, CAS 83702-02-7
✓ HPLC + Mass Spectrometry — dual verification by Krause Analytical
✓ COA included — batch-level certificate of analysis on every vial
✓ ≥98% purity — verified by independent third-party laboratory
✓ Catalog reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C for research integrity
✓ Finnrick Pulse verified — quality checkpoint documentation
✓ Ships within 1–2 business days. Research use only. Not for human use.

Order KPV View COA

Independent Testing Laboratory

Krause Analytical

Every KPV batch is independently tested using both high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Full COA documentation available on the COA Library page.

Catalog Medical Review

Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C

Licensed physician assistant reviewing the Sequence Labs compound catalog for research classification integrity and regulatory compliance framing.

Quality Verification

Finnrick Pulse

Third-party quality checkpoint documentation providing an additional verification layer for Sequence Labs research compound batches.

Laboratory Reference

Reconstitution Reference

Standard laboratory protocol for preparing a KPV research sample from lyophilized powder. For research use only. Not for human use.

Gather materials

Ensure you have the KPV research vial (lyophilized powder), bacteriostatic water (most common laboratory solvent), a sterile syringe, and appropriate laboratory PPE. Work in a clean environment consistent with your laboratory SOP.

Introduce solvent

Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water into the syringe. Introduce solvent into the vial by directing it along the inner glass wall — avoid directing the stream directly onto the lyophilized powder cake. The volume introduced determines the resulting research sample concentration.

Swirl gently

Gently swirl the vial in a circular motion until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously — this can compromise peptide integrity in some formulations. Allow time for complete solubilization before drawing a research sample.

Store per SOP

Reconstituted research samples should be stored according to your laboratory's standard operating procedure. Refrigeration at 2–8°C is standard practice for short-term storage. Refer to the COA for compound-specific stability data.

Research Use Only. This reference is provided for qualified researchers following established laboratory protocols. KPV from Sequence Labs is not for human use, human consumption, or clinical application. All reconstitution procedures should be conducted within a compliant research environment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KPV?

What is KPV's relationship to α-MSH?

KPV represents the final three amino acids (C-terminal tripeptide) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide. Published research has examined whether this minimal C-terminal fragment retains the ability to interact with melanocortin receptor subtypes, particularly MC1R and MC3R — the same targets engaged by the full α-MSH molecule. KPV is not equivalent to α-MSH and its receptor activity profile has been characterized independently in preclinical research models.

What research areas is KPV studied in?

Published research has examined KPV in the following contexts: (1) MC1R/MC3R receptor mechanism research in cell-based assay systems; (2) intestinal epithelial barrier research in cell models; (3) NF-κB pathway modulation research in preclinical models; (4) cytokine signaling research in cell models; (5) mucosal tissue research in animal models. All published findings are derived from preclinical or cell-model research and have not been validated in human subjects.

What size does Sequence Labs offer KPV in?

How is KPV reconstituted for research use?

To prepare a KPV research sample from lyophilized powder, introduce an appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water (or other suitable sterile solvent per your laboratory SOP) into the vial using a sterile syringe directed along the glass wall. Swirl gently until fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously. Store the reconstituted research sample per your laboratory's standard operating procedure, typically at 2–8°C for short-term storage. For research use only. Not for human use.

Is KPV for human use?

Order KPV or Explore Related Research Compounds

10mg vials, HPLC + MS tested by Krause Analytical, reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck PA-C. Browse the full catalog or view the related BPC-157 research page.

View All Products BPC-157 Research Contact Us