Overview
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a small peptide derived from angiotensin IV, developed at Washington State University by Joseph Harding. It activates the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway to promote dendritic spine growth and synaptogenesis. In preclinical models it improved cognitive performance in Alzheimer's and scopolamine-impaired animals at doses millions of times lower than BDNF.
Mechanism of action
Dihexa binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and potentiates its interaction with the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, activating downstream pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK) that drive synaptogenesis, dendritic arborization, and long-term potentiation. The c-Met pathway is critical for synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Selected literature
- [01]
Dihexa: a small peptide with potent pro-cognitive properties
McCoy A.T. et al. · Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2013
Dihexa reversed scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits and improved Morris water maze performance at nanogram doses, exceeding BDNF potency by seven orders of magnitude.
- [02]
HGF/c-Met signaling in synaptic plasticity and memory
Akimoto M. et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology · 2004
HGF/c-Met pathway activation enhanced dendritic spine density and LTP in hippocampal slices, supporting a role in memory consolidation.
- [03]
Angiotensin IV and cognitive function
Wright J.W. & Harding J.W. · Brain Research Reviews · 2004
AT4 receptor (c-Met) activation by angiotensin IV analogs consistently improved spatial memory and learning across multiple rodent models.
The information on this page is summarized from the published research literature and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to guide treatment decisions. Our peptides are sold for in-vitro research and laboratory use only.