KPV (Lys-Pro-Val): Research Reference
Research Use Only. This page is a technical reference for in-vitro laboratory research. Reserve Research compounds are not for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is guidance for administration of any kind.
In simple words
KPV is a very short chain of just 3 amino acids. It is made in a lab. It is the tail end of a natural hormone called alpha-MSH.
It is so small that a pump in gut cells can carry it inside. Scientists use it in lab dishes to study how cells send warning signals.
Reserve Research sells KPV only for lab research. See KPV on our product page →
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide that matches the last three amino acids (residues 11–13) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Laboratories use it to study peptide transport by the intestinal transporter PepT1 and inflammatory signaling (NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways) in epithelial cells. Its CAS number is 67727-97-3, its formula is C16H30N4O4, and its molecular weight is about 342.4 g/mol.
KPV key facts
| Name | KPV |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH (11–13) |
| Compound class | Tripeptide; C-terminal fragment of α-MSH |
| Sequence | K-P-V (H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH), free termini |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 |
| Molecular weight | ≈342.4 g/mol (free peptide) |
| Parent peptide | α-MSH, a 13-residue melanocortin peptide with an amidated C-terminus |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Storage (lyophilized) | −20 °C, dry, protected from light |
Structure
KPV is one of the smallest bioactive peptide fragments studied in the melanocortin field. α-MSH ends in …Lys-Pro-Val-NH2; KPV is the same three residues as a free acid. Its small size lets it be carried across cell membranes by the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1, which is unusual for a signaling peptide. Do not confuse KPV with KdPT (Lys-D-Pro-Thr), a related tripeptide with a different origin.
Mechanisms studied in research models
- PepT1-mediated uptake. In Caco2-BBE intestinal epithelial cells and in mouse colon, KPV was taken up through the PepT1 transporter. Once inside cells, it was associated with reduced NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (Dalmasso et al., 2008).
- Rodent intestinal inflammation models. In chemically induced and T-cell transfer models of intestinal inflammation in mice, KPV changed histological and cytokine measures (Kannengiesser et al., 2008).
- Relation to melanocortin signaling. Researchers study KPV alongside α-MSH because it retains part of α-MSH’s activity on inflammatory signaling while being far smaller. How much of that activity depends on melanocortin receptors is still debated.
Laboratory handling and storage
- Lyophilized powder: store at −20 °C, sealed and dry, away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
- Solvent: water-soluble. Labs commonly use sterile bacteriostatic water for multi-use stock solutions.
- Prepared solutions: keep at 2–8 °C and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
What a KPV certificate of analysis should show
- Identity: mass consistent with ≈342.4 g/mol.
- Purity: chromatographic purity reported for the specific batch.
- Batch traceability: a lot number that matches the vial label.
Every Reserve Research batch is tested by an independent lab. You can look up any batch number on our COA verification page.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV?
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal fragment (residues 11–13) of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Laboratories use it to study PepT1 transport and inflammatory signaling in epithelial cells.
What is the CAS number for KPV?
67727-97-3.
What is the molecular weight and formula of KPV?
C16H30N4O4, with a molecular weight of about 342.4 g/mol.
Where does KPV come from?
It is the last three amino acids of α-MSH, a 13-residue peptide derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC).
How does KPV get into cells?
In intestinal epithelial cell studies, it is carried in by PepT1, the transporter that normally moves di- and tripeptides from digested protein.
How should KPV be stored?
Store the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Keep reconstituted solutions at 2–8 °C and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Is Reserve Research KPV sold for laboratory research only?
Yes. It is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. It is not a drug or supplement, and it is not for human or veterinary use.
Research-grade KPV from Reserve Research
KPV is supplied as a lyophilized powder in sealed vials, independently tested batch by batch, with the COA available through the product page and /verify. Related: BPC-157 reference and bacteriostatic water.
References
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HTT, et al. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026
- Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, et al. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2008;14(3):324–331. doi:10.1002/ibd.20334
- ChEBI entry CHEBI:160254 (Lys-Pro-Val): formula, mass and structure. ebi.ac.uk/chebi
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page summarizes published laboratory literature for reference. It makes no claims about the safety or effectiveness of any compound in humans or animals.