Specialized Research

PTD-DBM

Also known as: Hair growth peptide, Peptídeo de crescimento capilar, Protein Transduction Domain-DBM

Molecular Identifiers

Molecular Formula

C124H225N61O28S2

CAS Number

1609454-11-6

PubChem CID

176453931

Molecular Weight

3082.62 Da

Overview

Fusion peptide composed of a protein transduction domain (PTD) conjugated to the Dishevelled binding motif (DBM). Designed to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, essential for hair follicle regeneration and follicular stem cell activation. Researched as an innovative approach for alopecia and hair regeneration.

Interest in PTD-DBM lies in the hypothesis of a regenerative approach to alopecia that acts upstream of conventional therapy: instead of prolonging the anagen phase via vasodilation (minoxidil) or blocking DHT (finasteride), it reactivates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in follicular stem cells, driving follicular neogenesis and catagen-to-anagen transition. Preclinical data in mice show visible regrowth, with active research in androgenetic and areata alopecia.

It has no regulatory approval from any agency. When available, it is compounded by specialty pharmacies for topical scalp application or local subcutaneous injection, in 4-12 week protocols. As a research peptide, there is no clinical consensus on dose, vehicle, or optimal duration in humans, and combined use with minoxidil is proposed as an exploratory strategy.

It was developed from the DBM binding motif identified in the CXXC5 protein, an endogenous inhibitor of the Wnt pathway in the hair follicle. The peptide competitively displaces that inhibition, mimicking the active Wnt signaling observed in young follicles.

Sequence (1 letter): RRRRRRRRGGGGRKTGHQICKFRKC
Extended notation: Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Arg-Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Arg-Lys-Thr-Gly-His-Gln-Ile-Cys-Lys-Phe-Arg-Lys-Cys

25-amino-acid fusion peptide — octa-arginine (PTD) + tetra-glycine linker + DBM motif (RKTGHQICKFRKC) derived from CXXC5

Half-life

~3-6 hours

Administration Route

Topical or subcutaneous

Category

Specialized Research

Mechanism of Action

  • Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via competitive inhibition of the CXXC5-Dvl interaction
  • Hair follicle regeneration and neogenesis
  • Activation of follicular stem cells in the bulge region
  • Promotion of catagen-to-anagen transition in the hair cycle
  • Stimulation of dermal papilla cell proliferation

Reported Side Effects

Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.

  • Local irritation
  • Redness
  • Skin sensitivity

Product Properties

Purity >95%
Appearance White lyophilized powder
Solubility Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water
Source Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Presentations & Preparation

Vials of PTD-DBM found in the research market:

1 mg5 mg10 mg20 mg

Reconstitution

  • Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
  • Volume: 2 ml per vial
  • Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
  • Gently swirl until fully dissolved — never shake
  • For topical use, may be mixed in a suitable vehicle

Storage

  • Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
  • Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 14 days)
  • Protect from direct light
  • Do not freeze after reconstitution
  • Keep sterile for injectable use
Reconstitution Calculator

Scientific Studies

Published studies on PTD-DBM.

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