EMP17 (Erythropoietin-Mimetic Peptide 17)

Product Name: EMP17 (Erythropoietin-Mimetic Peptide 17)

Sequence One Letter Code: TYSCHFGPLTWVCKPQGG

Sequence Three Letter Code: H-Thr-Tyr-Ser-Cys-His-Phe-Gly-Pro-Leu-Thr-Trp-Val-Cys-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gly-Gly-OH

Chemical Formula:C90H129N23O24S2

Molecular Weight: 1981.4

Purity: 95%

Form: Lyophilized

Storage Conditions: - 20 °C

Research Area: Cardiovascular Disease Research

Conjugation: Unconjugated

Code Nacres: NA.26

Application: EMP17 is a synthetic peptide that mimics the biological activity of erythropoietin (EPO) by activating the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR). Binding of EPO to EPOR induces receptor dimerization and triggers downstream signaling pathways that regulate erythroid progenitor survival, proliferation, and differentiation during red blood cell production. EMP17 reproduces this receptor activation in a simplified peptide format, providing a useful tool for studying cytokine receptor signaling. The peptide contains two reactive amine groups, allowing chemical modification, labeling, or conjugation for mechanistic and biochemical studies. EMP17 is widely used to investigate EPOR activation, JAK–STAT signaling pathways, and hematopoietic regulation. It supports research in hematology, cytokine receptor biology, and therapeutic strategies aimed at treating anemia and promoting tissue protection.

Current Research: Erythropoiesis, the process of red blood cell production, is tightly regulated by cytokine signaling pathways that control the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells. One of the central regulators of this process is erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone that binds to and activates the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) on hematopoietic cells. While native EPO has been extensively studied in both physiology and clinical medicine, synthetic peptide mimetics have become valuable tools for exploring the molecular mechanisms of EPOR signaling. Among these research tools, EMP17 stands out as a synthetic peptide designed to reproduce the receptor-activating function of erythropoietin in a simplified and experimentally accessible format. Erythropoietin and EPOR Signaling EPO is primarily produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels and functions as the key hormonal regulator of red blood cell formation. When EPO binds to EPOR on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, it induces receptor dimerization, a structural change that initiates intracellular signaling cascades. This receptor activation triggers several downstream pathways, most notably the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway. Activation of JAK2 kinase leads to phosphorylation of STAT transcription factors, which subsequently regulate gene expression programs responsible for cell survival and erythroid maturation. In addition to the JAK–STAT pathway, EPOR signaling can engage other intracellular networks, including PI3K–Akt and MAPK pathways, which contribute to cellular proliferation, differentiation, and protection from apoptosis. These signaling events ensure the controlled expansion of erythroid progenitors and the maintenance of adequate oxygen-carrying capacity in the bloodstream. Design and Functional Properties of EMP17 EMP17 is a synthetic peptide engineered to mimic the biological activity of erythropoietin by activating the erythropoietin receptor. Rather than replicating the full structure of the native hormone, EMP17 reproduces the key functional elements required for EPOR engagement and signaling. By interacting with EPOR, the peptide promotes receptor dimerization and initiates intracellular signaling events similar to those triggered by EPO. This simplified design provides researchers with a controllable molecular probe for studying cytokine receptor activation without the complexity of full-length protein hormones. A notable structural feature of EMP17 is the presence of two reactive amine groups. These functional groups allow the peptide to undergo a variety of chemical modifications, including labeling with fluorescent probes, attachment of affinity tags, or conjugation to other biomolecules. This chemical flexibility makes EMP17 particularly useful for mechanistic experiments and biochemical assays. Applications in Cytokine Receptor Research EMP17 has become an important tool for investigating cytokine receptor signaling mechanisms, particularly those associated with the erythropoietin receptor. By activating EPOR in controlled experimental systems, the peptide allows researchers to explore how receptor dimerization initiates downstream signaling networks. In cellular models, EMP17 is frequently used to study the JAK–STAT signaling cascade, which plays a central role in hematopoietic cell regulation. Through these studies, scientists can examine how receptor activation influences transcriptional programs that guide erythroid cell survival and differentiation. The peptide is also valuable in structure–function studies of EPOR. By combining EMP17 with mutational analyses, binding assays, or biochemical labeling approaches, researchers can identify critical receptor domains involved in ligand recognition and signal propagation. Role in Hematology and Disease Research Understanding erythropoietin signaling is essential for advancing research in hematology and related medical fields. Dysregulation of erythropoiesis can lead to disorders such as anemia, polycythemia, and bone marrow dysfunction. Tools like EMP17 help investigators dissect the molecular pathways that control red blood cell production and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Beyond its role in hematopoiesis, EPOR signaling has also been implicated in tissue-protective responses in organs such as the brain and heart. Studies suggest that activation of erythropoietin receptors may contribute to cellular protection under conditions of stress, inflammation, or ischemic injury. EMP17 therefore provides a useful experimental platform for exploring how EPOR-mediated signaling influences cellular survival pathways outside the hematopoietic system. Advancing Cytokine Signaling Studies Synthetic peptide mimetics offer significant advantages for studying receptor biology. Their smaller size, chemical versatility, and defined structure allow precise experimental control and facilitate mechanistic investigations that may be difficult with full-length proteins. EMP17 exemplifies this approach by providing a compact and modifiable peptide capable of activating the erythropoietin receptor. Through its ability to reproduce key aspects of EPO signaling, the peptide continues to support research into hematopoietic regulation, cytokine receptor biology, and signaling pathways relevant to anemia and tissue protection. As interest in cytokine signaling and targeted therapeutics grows, tools like EMP17 will remain valuable for uncovering the molecular principles that govern receptor activation and cellular response.