KPV Specs: Sequence, MW & CAS
Part of the full KPV guide - a melanocortin-derived c-terminal tripeptide reference compound, identity-verified with a COA on every vial.
In brief
KPV's molecular specification tells a compact structure-function story. The molecule is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, corresponding to residues 11-13, with the sequence Lys-Pro-Val. Its molecular weight is 342.43 g/mol, its molecular formula is C16H30N4O4, its CAS number is 67727-97-3, and its PubChem CID is 125672. Each of these identifiers serves a distinct purpose for researchers sourcing and verifying material. The sequence defines the chemical identity and ties KPV directly to its parent hormone; the molecular weight enables concentration math; the molecular formula supports analytical confirmation; and the CAS and PubChem identifiers allow unambiguous cross-referencing across chemical databases. This spoke explains what each specification means and how the tripeptide's minimal structure relates to the receptor-independent, transporter-mediated activity described in the cited in-vitro literature, where the small fragment behaves differently from the full alpha-MSH hormone.
To the molecule
Molecular specifications
Lys-Pro-Val (KPV)The detail
A closer look
01
Sequence and parent-molecule relationship
The sequence Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) is the structural core of KPV's identity. As the C-terminal residues 11-13 of alpha-MSH, this tripeptide is a defined fragment of a larger peptide hormone rather than an independently designed molecule. The structure-function significance is that this minimal three-residue fragment retains characterized anti-inflammatory signaling activity in the cited cell models while, per the entry, not driving the pigmentation associated with full alpha-MSH's melanocortin-receptor engagement. The lysine, proline, and valine composition also makes KPV a substrate for the PepT1 oligopeptide transporter, consistent with its role as a di/tripeptide-transporter cargo. This sequence-to-function link is the backbone of the structure-activity-relationship research area for alpha-MSH C-terminal fragments.
02
Molecular weight, formula, and identifiers
The molecular weight of 342.43 g/mol is the practical value for converting dissolved mass into molar concentration during laboratory reconstitution, which matters because the cited in-vitro signaling effects are reported at nanomolar levels. The molecular formula C16H30N4O4 defines the elemental composition and supports analytical confirmation of identity. The CAS number 67727-97-3 and PubChem CID 125672 are registry identifiers that let researchers unambiguously locate and cross-verify the compound across chemical databases, distinguishing it from other peptides or naming variants. The peptide class designation, melanocortin-derived C-terminal tripeptide (alpha-MSH 11-13 fragment), ties all of these identifiers back to the molecule's origin, framing KPV consistently as a small, well-characterized research fragment within the broader alpha-MSH family.
The fine print: products are sold for laboratory research use only and are not for human or animal consumption. Bodily introduction into humans or animals is strictly prohibited by law. KPV is not a drug and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.