Matrixyl: Molecular Structure

Molecular Structure#

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) is a lipopeptide with the molecular formula C39H75N7O10 and a molecular weight of approximately 802.05 Da. The full chemical name is N2-(1-oxohexadecyl)-L-lysyl-L-threonyl-L-threonyl-L-lysyl-L-serine.

Amino Acid Sequence#

Sequence: Pal-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (Pal-KTTKS)

The five-amino acid peptide KTTKS corresponds to residues 197-201 of the C-terminal propeptide of human type I procollagen alpha 1 chain. This sequence was identified by Katayama et al. (1991) as the minimum fragment required for potent stimulation of extracellular matrix production.

Lipopeptide Design#

The palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, C16:0) is conjugated to the epsilon-amino group of the N-terminal lysine residue. This lipid modification serves a critical function:

• Enhanced skin penetration: The 16-carbon fatty acid chain increases lipophilicity, allowing the peptide to traverse the lipid-rich stratum corneum barrier that normally prevents peptide penetration
• Membrane interaction: The palmitoyl chain can interact with cell membrane lipids, potentially facilitating cellular uptake
• Stability: Lipid conjugation provides some protection against peptidase degradation in the skin

Chemical Properties#

Dermal Stability#

Studies have evaluated the stability and permeation of both KTTKS and Pal-KTTKS through skin. The palmitoyl modification significantly enhances dermal permeation compared to the unmodified KTTKS peptide. The peptide is stable in typical cosmetic formulation conditions.

Related Matrixyl Variants#

The Matrixyl family includes several variants with different peptide sequences:

• Matrixyl (original): Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (Pal-KTTKS)
• Matrixyl 3000: Combination of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (Pal-GHK) and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (Pal-GQPR)
• Matrixyl Synthe'6: Palmitoyl tripeptide-38, designed to mimic thrombospondin-1 for collagen I, III, and IV stimulation

Each variant targets different aspects of extracellular matrix biology while using the same palmitoyl lipid modification strategy for skin penetration.

Molecular Context#

Matrixyl belongs to the Skin category of research peptides. The molecular properties of Matrixyl determine its pharmacological behavior, including receptor binding, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Understanding these properties is fundamental to interpreting clinical data and designing research protocols.

Structural Overview#

Matrixyl is characterized as: Matrixyl is a lipopeptide consisting of the pentapeptide KTTKS (Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) conjugated to palmitic acid (C16:0) at the N-terminal lysine. The palmitic acid chain provides lipophilicity for stratum corneum penetration while the KTTKS sequence acts as a matrikine to stimulate fibroblast collagen production..

Amino Acid Sequence Details#

The amino acid sequence of Matrixyl is: Pal-KTTKS (Palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser). This sequence determines the peptide's three-dimensional structure, receptor binding properties, and biological activity.

Pharmacokinetic Profile#

Half-Life: Topical peptide -- systemic half-life not applicable

The half-life of a peptide influences dosing frequency, duration of effect, and the clinical utility of the compound. Researchers should consider the half-life when designing experimental protocols.

Related Reading#

• Matrixyl overview and research guide
• Peptides similar to Matrixyl
• Matrixyl research evidence