Hexarelin Acetate

Hexarelin is an amidated synthetic hexapeptide containing D-2-methyltryptophan, examined in CD36 binding studies.

Identity

Sequence

H-H[D-Trp(2-Me)]AW[D-Phe]K-NH2

Residues

6

Molecular formula

C₄₇H₅₈N₁₂O₆

Average molecular weight

887 g/mol

Monoisotopic mass (calculated)

886.4602 Da

CAS number

140703-51-1

PubChem CID

6918297

Other names

Examorelin

Values describe the free peptide without the catalog’s acetate counterion. Residue 2 is D-2-methyltryptophan, represented schematically. No separate UniProt identity was verified; the profile uses a residue diagram without SMILES, atomic coordinates or blend components.

Identity data from: PubChem CID 6918297

Research overview

Hexarelin, also called examorelin, is a synthetic peptide of six amino acid residues. Its amidated sequence contains D-2-methyltryptophan at position 2 and D-phenylalanine at position 5. The methyl substitution distinguishes it from GHRP-6. Although grouped with growth hormone releasing peptides, hexarelin has also been examined as a ligand for CD36, a membrane scavenger receptor. This additional binding context is explicitly addressed in studies of cardiac membranes and receptor-expressing cells [1][2].

A photoaffinity cross-linking study used a labelled hexarelin derivative to locate the interacting region of CD36. Experiments with rat cardiac membranes and cells expressing human CD36 mapped the binding site to a receptor segment spanning Asn132 to Glu177, with Met169 identified within the labelled region. These residue numbers belong to CD36, not to the six-residue peptide. The work concerns ligand contact and receptor structure rather than a general assignment of peptide activity across all tissues [1].

An earlier investigation identified CD36 as a hexarelin-binding protein in cardiac membranes and examined receptor involvement in isolated perfused hearts. Models with CD36 deficiency or deletion helped distinguish receptor-dependent responses. Together, the studies provide a defined molecular and experimental context for hexarelin: binding-site mapping and receptor-dependence are complementary questions, and neither alone establishes that other short secretagogue peptides share the same interaction [2].

Laboratory storage and handling

Store sealed peptide vials under the temperature conditions stated in the lot documentation, protected from light and moisture. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of laboratory stocks, record storage history and the lot identifier, and use standard laboratory protective equipment. Chemical modifications and counterions should be checked against the supplied analytical description.

Questions about Hexarelin

References

1. Identification of the growth hormone-releasing peptide binding site in CD36: a photoaffinity cross-linking study. Biochem J 2004. PMID 15176951
2. CD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the heart. Circ Res 2002. PMID 11988484

Identity data checked on 2026-10-03. Literature summaries describe published research models and are not specifications of any product lot.