ARA-290
ARA-290 is a synthetic peptide derived from the three-dimensional structure of erythropoietin (EPO), engineered to selectively engage the innate repair receptor (IRR) without activating the classical ...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | ≥98% |
|---|---|
| Form | Lyophilized Powder |
| Storage | -20°C |
About This Peptide
ARA-290 is a synthetic peptide derived from the three-dimensional structure of erythropoietin (EPO), engineered to selectively engage the innate repair receptor (IRR) without activating the classical erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) homodimer responsible for erythropoiesis and hematopoietic signaling. Structurally, ARA-290 is an 11-amino-acid cyclic peptide based on a helix-B surface peptide (HBSP) domain of EPO, retaining the cytoprotective signaling topology of the parent molecule while eliminating erythropoietic activity. This selectivity makes ARA-290 a pharmacologically precise tool for dissecting the tissue-protective arm of EPO biology in preclinical and in vitro research settings.
The compound was developed to isolate and study cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways that are ordinarily confounded by hematopoietic effects when intact EPO is used as a research probe. Because ARA-290 does not stimulate red blood cell production, it enables investigators to attribute observed cellular responses specifically to IRR-mediated pathways rather than indirect hematological or vascular changes. This functional specificity has positioned ARA-290 as a valuable reagent in the study of peripheral nervous system biology, immune modulation, and cellular stress responses across multiple research model systems.
In preclinical models, ARA-290 has been used to examine neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic signaling in damaged or metabolically stressed tissues. Researchers investigating small-fiber neuropathy, inflammatory pain models, and autonomic dysfunction have employed ARA-290 to interrogate the role of the IRR in peripheral nerve maintenance and repair processes. As a lyophilized powder supplied at ≥98% purity (internal code: ARA-290), this compound is suitable for reconstitution in aqueous buffers for cell culture assays, ex vivo tissue preparations, and rodent model administrations. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Stored at −20°C, ARA-290 maintains stability consistent with standard lyophilized peptide handling protocols. Its well-characterized receptor selectivity, combined with high purity, supports reproducible experimental outcomes across diverse laboratory contexts exploring EPO-axis biology without erythropoietic confounders.
Research Applications
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
ARA-290 exerts its effects through selective binding to the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimeric complex composed of the EPO receptor (EPOR) and the common beta chain (βcR, also known as CD131). Unlike the EPOR homodimer, the IRR is broadly expressed in non-hematopoietic tissues including peripheral neurons, immune cells, pancreatic islet cells, and cardiomyocytes. Engagement of the IRR by ARA-290 initiates intracellular signaling cascades including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and JAK2/STAT3 pathways, which are associated with cellular survival, attenuation of apoptotic signals, and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production in vitro.
At the molecular level, ARA-290 binding to the IRR promotes downstream suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene transcription and reduces caspase-3 activation in metabolically or mechanically stressed cell populations, as observed in multiple preclinical model systems. Additionally, research suggests that IRR activation by ARA-290 downregulates toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling responses in macrophage and dendritic cell preparations, providing a mechanistic basis for its study in innate immune regulation assays. These intracellular events occur independently of erythropoietic signaling, affording experimental specificity that intact EPO cannot provide.
Research Applications
ARA-290 is utilized across a range of in vitro and preclinical research contexts focused on EPO-axis cytoprotection, peripheral neuropathy models, and innate immune regulation. Representative research application areas include:
- Peripheral neuropathy modeling: Assessing small-fiber nerve regeneration and nociceptor survival in rodent diabetes or chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) models.
- Innate immune pathway studies: Evaluating IRR-mediated modulation of macrophage and dendritic cell cytokine profiles (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) in LPS-stimulated or hypoxic conditions in vitro.
- Apoptosis and cell survival assays: Quantifying caspase-3 activity, Akt phosphorylation, and mitochondrial membrane potential in stressed neuronal or endothelial cell lines following ARA-290 treatment.
- Pancreatic islet biology: Investigating β-cell survival and cytokine-induced apoptosis in isolated islet preparations exposed to inflammatory conditions.
- Autonomic nervous system research: Characterizing autonomic fiber density and function in animal models of metabolic or inflammatory insult using ARA-290 as a pharmacological probe.
- Comparative EPO receptor pharmacology: Differentiating EPOR homodimer vs. IRR signaling contributions by parallel treatment with ARA-290 and full-length EPO in receptor-expressing cell lines.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.