Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) | Laboratory Research Reagent

Product Specifications

• Product name: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, research grade.
• Sequence: His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn-Gly.
• Amino acid count: 28.
• Purity: ≥99%, HPLC verified.
• Molecular weight: Approximately 3326.0 Da.
• Form: Lyophilized crystalline powder.
• Solubility: Soluble in water; secondary structure depends on the solvent environment.
• Storage: −20 °C, desiccated. Protect from oxidation.

For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals.

Chemical Identity and Characteristics

VIP is a 28-amino acid basic neuropeptide in the glucagon/secretin superfamily, originally isolated from porcine duodenum in 1970. Its sequence is highly conserved across mammalian species, with human, bovine, and rat sequences described as nearly identical.

In aqueous solution, VIP is described as a disordered random coil. Membrane-mimetic solvents, lipid membranes, and receptor-binding environments are associated with an alpha-helical conformation involving residues 10–23.

VIP binds with high affinity to the Class B G-protein-coupled receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2. VPAC1 is described in constitutive-expression contexts and VPAC2 in inducible-expression contexts. Native VIP has very low affinity for PAC1.

3D Molecular Structure of VIP

Structure visualization of the 28-amino acid peptide, showing the alpha-helical core and residues Phe6 and Met17.

Analytical Validation and Certificate of Analysis

Lot-specific COA documentation includes HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity data. HPLC purity is listed as ≥99%; mass spectrometry provides molecular-mass information around 3326 Da. Sequence integrity, including truncated fragments such as Thr11 deletions, is relevant to assay interpretation.

The Met17 residue is susceptible to oxidation. Met17-sulfoxide formation can alter the hydrophobic face of the helix and receptor interactions. Review the lot-specific analytical documentation for material identity and purity.

Storage, Stability and Laboratory Handling

Store the lyophilized material at −20 °C under desiccated conditions. Keep containers tightly sealed to limit air exposure. Limit repeated freezing and thawing when managing laboratory aliquots.

For laboratory solutions, use an aqueous diluent or buffer appropriate to the assay. The listed handling conditions specify prompt use or frozen aliquot storage at −20 °C or below. Follow lot documentation and evaluate solution stability under the selected solvent and assay conditions.

The solvent environment affects secondary structure. Phospholipids and membrane-mimetic solvents are associated with a defined alpha-helix, which is relevant when comparing structural and receptor-signaling measurements.

Research Assay Context

VIP is examined in VPAC1/VPAC2 signaling, cellular immunology, and circadian-signaling research. Cell-based assay endpoints discussed in the literature include naive T-cell differentiation, FoxP3-positive regulatory T-cell markers, Th1-associated responses, dendritic-cell modulation, macrophage NLRP3 signaling, and IL-1β and IL-18 measurements.

Microglial phenotype and neuronal-cell readouts are described in in vitro research. These experimental observations provide assay context and do not establish outcomes for this supplied reagent.

Cited Laboratory Research

European Journal of Neuroscience (2024): The cited cell-model study examined synthetic VIP exposure and LentiVIP expression in microglia, with microglial phenotype and neuronal-cell readouts.

Frontiers in Immunology (2021): “Mechanism of Immunoregulatory Properties of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide” discusses T-cell differentiation and dendritic-cell modulation as research mechanisms.

Lot Documentation and Supply

Profound Aminos supplies VIP with lot-specific HPLC and mass spectrometry documentation. The listed supply chain ships from a USA facility. Review the COA for the material’s salt form, identity, purity, and lot information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which salt form is supplied?

Research-grade Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide is typically supplied as a trifluoroacetate (TFA) salt. Check the lot-specific COA for the salt form and material specifications.

What is the intended laboratory context for VIP?

VIP is a laboratory reagent for in vitro receptor-signaling and cell-based research assays. For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals.

Why is Met17 relevant to assay handling?

Methionine at position 17 contributes to the hydrophobic face of the peptide alpha-helix and is susceptible to oxidation. Oxidation can alter peptide structure and receptor interactions, affecting assay results. Keep the material sealed and follow the lot documentation for storage and handling.

Which receptors are referenced for VIP signaling assays?

Native VIP binds with high affinity to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors and has very low affinity for the PAC1 receptor. These receptor interactions provide context for laboratory signaling assays.

For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals.