Description
Chemical Identity
Orexin-A analytical reference compound. Molecular weight 3562 Da.
Research Overview
Orexin-A (Hypocretin-1) is a 33-amino acid excitatory neuropeptide produced exclusively by a small population of neurons in the lateral and posterior hypothalamus. Discovered simultaneously by two independent groups in 1998 (de Lecea et al. and Sakurai et al.), Orexin-A plays a critical role in the regulation of wakefulness, arousal, energy homeostasis, reward processing, and autonomic function. It signals through two G protein-coupled receptors: OX1R (selective for Orexin-A) and OX2R (non-selective, activated by both Orexin-A and Orexin-B).
The orexin system has become one of the most intensively studied neuropeptide pathways in neuroscience. Loss of orexin-producing neurons is the established cause of narcolepsy type 1, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. This discovery validated the orexin pathway as a drug target, leading to the development of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) including suvorexant (Belsomra), lemborexant (Dayvigo), and the orexin-2 receptor agonist danavorexton for narcolepsy treatment. Orexin-A has a pyroglutamyl N-terminus and two intrachain disulfide bonds (Cys6-Cys12, Cys7-Cys14), giving it greater stability and potency than Orexin-B.
Specifications
| Sequence | pGlu-Pro-Leu-Pro-Asp-Cys-Cys-Arg-Gln-Lys-Thr-Cys-Ser-Cys-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu-Leu-Leu-His-Gly-Ala-Gly-Asn-His-Ala-Ala-Gly-Ile-Leu-Thr-Leu-NH2 |
| Molecular Weight | 3562 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C152H243N47O44S2 |
| CAS Number | 205640-90-0 |
| Purity | >=98% (HPLC) |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Format | Lyophilized powder, sterile filtered |
| Solubility | Soluble in bacteriostatic water, sterile water, or normal saline |
| Storage | Store at -20°C (lyophilized). Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days |
| Shipping | Ambient temperature (stable in lyophilized form) |
Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, identity, and endotoxin testing results.
Research Applications
Orexin-A has been documented in the published scientific literature across the following research areas:
- Sleep-wake cycle and arousal regulation research
- Orexin receptor (OX1R/OX2R) signaling characterization
- Hypothalamic neuropeptide pathway investigation
- Energy homeostasis and feeding behavior studies
- Narcolepsy mechanism and biomarker research
- Reward and motivation pathway studies
Researchers should consult the primary literature for experimental protocols, concentrations, and conditions relevant to their specific area of investigation involving Orexin-A.
Storage and Handling
Orexin-A is supplied as a lyophilized powder and should be stored at -20°C upon receipt for long-term stability. Protect from light, moisture, and repeated temperature fluctuations. Allow the sealed vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.
For reconstitution, add sterile water or an appropriate buffer slowly along the vial wall. Gently swirl to dissolve. Reconstituted Orexin-A solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within 30 days. Aliquoting is recommended. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed handling guidance.
For laboratory research use only (in vitro). Not for human or animal use. Not for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical purposes. Orexin-A is supplied as an analytical reference compound for use by qualified research personnel at accredited institutions. Prescott Bio Canada does not provide guidance on administration, dosing, or use in living organisms.