Hey there! I'm a supplier of DAMGO, and I often get asked about what the chemical composition of the DAMGO I'm selling is. So, I thought I'd write this blog to break it all down for you in a way that's easy to understand.
First off, let's talk a bit about what DAMGO is. DAMGO stands for [D-Ala², N-MePhe⁴, Gly-ol⁵]-enkephalin. It's a synthetic opioid peptide that's used in a bunch of scientific research. This little guy is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates mu-opioid receptors in the body. These receptors are super important because they're involved in things like pain relief, mood regulation, and even addiction.
Now, let's get into the nitty - gritty of its chemical composition. DAMGO is a pentapeptide, which means it's made up of five amino acids. The amino acids that make up DAMGO are arranged in a specific sequence, and each one plays a crucial role in how the peptide functions.
The first amino acid in the sequence is D - alanine (D - Ala). The "D" in D - alanine is important because it refers to the stereochemistry of the amino acid. In nature, most amino acids are in the "L" configuration, but D - alanine has a different spatial arrangement. This difference in stereochemistry can have a big impact on how the peptide interacts with receptors.
Next up is N - methylphenylalanine (N - MePhe). The N - methyl group on this amino acid adds a bit of bulk and changes the electronic properties of the molecule. This modification helps DAMGO bind more tightly to the mu - opioid receptor, making it a more potent agonist.
The third amino acid is phenylalanine (Phe). Phenylalanine has a large aromatic side chain, which can interact with other molecules through hydrophobic interactions. These interactions are important for the overall structure and function of the peptide.
The fourth amino acid is also N - methylphenylalanine (N - MePhe). Having two N - methylphenylalanine residues in the sequence further enhances the binding affinity of DAMGO to the mu - opioid receptor.
Finally, the fifth amino acid is glycine - ol (Gly - ol). Glycine is the simplest amino acid, and the "- ol" indicates that it's in an alcohol form rather than the typical carboxylic acid form. This modification at the C - terminus of the peptide also contributes to its binding specificity and potency.
The chemical formula of DAMGO is C₂₇H₃₅N₅O₅, and its molecular weight is approximately 509.6 g/mol. This relatively small size allows it to easily penetrate cell membranes and interact with receptors inside cells.
When it comes to using DAMGO in research, its chemical composition gives it some unique properties. For example, its high affinity for the mu - opioid receptor makes it a great tool for studying the function of these receptors. Scientists can use DAMGO to investigate how mu - opioid receptors are involved in pain pathways, or to develop new drugs that target these receptors.
If you're into peptide research, you might also be interested in some other peptides we offer. Check out our Cys-V5 Peptide, Entero-Hylambatin, and Galanin (1-13)-Neuropeptide Y (25-36) Amide. These peptides have their own unique chemical compositions and potential applications in research.
At our supply, we make sure that the DAMGO we provide is of the highest quality. We use state - of - the - art synthesis techniques to ensure that the amino acids are arranged in the correct sequence and that the peptide has the right chemical properties. We also perform rigorous quality control tests to make sure that the product is pure and free from contaminants.
If you're in the market for DAMGO or any of our other peptides, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're a researcher at a university, a scientist at a pharmaceutical company, or just someone curious about peptides, we're here to help. We can provide you with detailed information about our products, including their chemical compositions, purity levels, and recommended storage conditions.
So, if you're interested in purchasing DAMGO or want to learn more about our other peptide offerings, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to have a chat about how our products can fit into your research needs.
References
- Goodman, A. G., & Gilman, L. S. (Eds.). (2006). Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. McGraw - Hill.
- Nestler, E. J., Barrot, M., DiLeone, R. J., Eisch, A. J., Gold, S. J., & Monteggia, L. M. (2002). Neurobiology of depression. Neuron, 34(1), 13 - 25.