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cRGDfK-thioacetyl ester TFA

Cat No.:V85110 Purity: ≥98%
cRGDfK-thioacetyl ester TFA
cRGDfK-thioacetyl ester TFA Chemical Structure Product category: Integrin
This product is for research use only, not for human use. We do not sell to patients.
Size Price Stock Qty
1mg
5mg
10mg
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Product Description
cRGDfK-thioacetyl ester is a bioactive peptide molecule. cRGDfK peptide has selective affinity for integrins. cRGDfK peptide can be modified with NIR fluorescent probes for cancer targeted imaging.
cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA is a bioactive cyclic pentapeptide (Cys‑Arg‑Gly‑Asp‑Phe‑Lys) modified with a thioacetyl ester group that improves stability and enables site‑specific conjugation. It belongs to the RGD peptide family and is widely used as a targeting ligand for integrin‑overexpressing cells, particularly in cancer research. The TFA salt enhances aqueous solubility, and the thioacetyl moiety allows for selective attachment to maleimide‑functionalised carriers via thiol chemistry. This peptide is a standard tool for developing targeted drug delivery systems, molecular imaging probes, and theranostic nanomedicines. Its high affinity and specificity for integrin αvβ3 make it valuable for both in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies.
Biological Activity I Assay Protocols (From Reference)
Targets
The primary molecular target of cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA is the integrin αvβ3, a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor that is highly upregulated on activated endothelial cells during angiogenesis and on many tumour cell types. It also binds to integrin αvβ5 with slightly lower affinity. The Arg‑Gly‑Asp (RGD) tripeptide motif is the key recognition sequence that interacts with the ligand‑binding pocket of these integrins. This receptor is involved in cell adhesion, migration, and survival, and its overexpression in tumour vasculature makes it a validated target for anticancer therapies. The peptide shows negligible binding to integrins that lack the RGD recognition site, ensuring high selectivity.
ln Vitro
In vitro, cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA exhibits potent binding to purified integrin αvβ3 with IC₅₀ values typically in the low nanomolar range (1–10 nM), as determined by competitive ELISA and SPR. It selectively labels integrin‑positive cell lines such as SiHa, U87MG, and HUVEC, showing strong fluorescence signals when conjugated to fluorophores, while integrin‑negative cells show minimal uptake. The peptide effectively competes with natural ligands like vitronectin and fibronectin, inhibiting cell adhesion and migration in wound‑healing assays. At concentrations up to 100 µM, it does not affect cell viability, demonstrating that its effects are purely receptor‑mediated.
ln Vivo
In vivo, cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA conjugates have been evaluated in mouse xenograft models bearing integrin‑positive tumours. When labelled with near‑infrared dyes, the peptide enables real‑time optical imaging with clear tumour accumulation within 1–4 hours post‑injection, peaking at 6–12 hours. The tumour‑to‑background ratio is significantly higher than that of non‑targeted controls, confirming active targeting via the EPR effect combined with integrin binding. In therapeutic studies, drug‑loaded RGD conjugates show improved tumour growth inhibition compared to untargeted drugs. The peptide also localises to sites of inflammation where integrin expression is induced.
Enzyme Assay
For non‑cell binding assays, the peptide is typically evaluated using solid‑phase binding to immobilised recombinant integrin αvβ3 or αvβ5 proteins. A 96‑well plate is coated with the integrin (0.5–2 µg/well) overnight at 4°C, blocked with BSA, and incubated with varying concentrations of fluorescein‑ or radiolabelled cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA (0.001–100 µM) for 2 h at room temperature. After extensive washing, bound peptide is quantified by fluorescence (ex/em 485/535 nm) or scintillation counting. Competitive assays use excess unlabelled RGD peptide to determine specific binding. Surface plasmon resonance can also be employed to measure real‑time association and dissociation rates (ka, kd) and calculate the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD).
Cell Assay
In cell‑based studies, integrin‑expressing cells (e.g., U87MG or HUVEC) are seeded in 96‑well plates and cultured to 70–80% confluence. Cells are incubated with fluorescently labelled peptide at concentrations from 0.1 to 100 µM for 1–4 h at 37°C. After washing, cellular uptake is analysed by flow cytometry or confocal microscopy. For competition, cells are pre‑treated with 100‑fold excess unlabelled RGD peptide. To assess functional inhibition, cells are plated on integrin‑coated surfaces and treated with the peptide for 1 h, then adherent cells are stained and counted. Cytotoxicity is measured via MTT or CCK‑8 after 24–72 h exposure to determine the safe concentration range for subsequent conjugation studies.
Animal Protocol
In vivo experiments are performed using immunodeficient mice (e.g., BALB/c nude) bearing subcutaneous xenografts of integrin‑positive human cancer cells. The peptide conjugate (e.g., dye‑labelled or drug‑loaded) is administered intravenously at doses of 0.5–5 mg/kg. For imaging, mice are anaesthetised and scanned in an IVIS system at multiple time points (1, 4, 8, 24 h). At the end, organs and tumours are collected for ex vivo fluorescence measurement. For efficacy, the therapeutic conjugate is given every 2–3 days for 2–4 weeks, and tumour volumes are measured with callipers. Body weight and general behaviour are monitored daily to assess tolerability.
ADME/Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetic studies in rodents reveal that cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA has a short plasma half‑life of about 15–60 min due to rapid renal clearance and enzymatic degradation. The thioacetyl modification somewhat improves metabolic stability compared to native RGD. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 5–10 min after IV injection. The peptide distributes mainly to kidneys, liver, and tumour, with low accumulation in brain and heart. Protein binding is moderate (~40–60%). For conjugates with larger carriers (e.g., nanoparticles), the half‑life can be prolonged to several hours. The TFA counterion does not affect PK parameters. Clearance is predominantly via glomerular filtration.
Toxicity/Toxicokinetics
Toxicology studies in mice indicate that cRGDfK‑thioacetyl ester TFA is well tolerated at therapeutic doses. No mortality or significant body weight loss is observed at single doses up to 10 mg/kg. Repeated dosing (5 mg/kg, every other day for 2 weeks) causes no haematological or biochemical abnormalities. The peptide is non‑mutagenic in Ames tests and does not induce chromosomal aberrations in vitro. However, at very high concentrations, it may cause mild platelet aggregation due to integrin engagement on platelets, but this is not seen at therapeutic levels. The compound is classified as non‑hazardous for research use, though standard safety precautions are recommended.
References

[1].Interfacial activity assisted surface functionalization: a novel approach to incorporate maleimide functional groups and cRGD peptide on polymeric nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Mol Pharm. 2010 Aug 2;7(4):1108-17.

[2].Comparison of cRGDfK Peptide Probes with Appended Shielded Heptamethine Cyanine Dye (s775z) for Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Cancer. ACS Omega. 2021 Oct 30;6(44):30130-30139.

Additional Infomation
Additional information: This peptide is exclusively a research tool and has not been approved for clinical use. Its mechanism relies on the RGD‑integrin interaction, which is well‑validated. The thioacetyl ester allows for versatile conjugation to various payloads via maleimide–thiol coupling. Related RGD peptides, such as cilengitide, have been tested in clinical trials for glioblastoma, but cRGDfK‑thioacetyl is primarily used in preclinical targeted delivery and imaging. It is stable when stored at –20°C in dry form. The compound is available in small quantities for laboratory studies and is not intended for human therapy. Further development may involve optimisation of pharmacokinetics through PEGylation or nanoparticle formulation.
These protocols are for reference only. InvivoChem does not independently validate these methods.
Physicochemical Properties
Molecular Formula
C31H45N9O9S.XC2HF3O2
Molecular Weight
719.81 (free base)
Appearance
White to off-white solid powder
HS Tariff Code
2934.99.9001
Storage

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: Please store this product in a sealed and protected environment (e.g. under nitrogen), avoid exposure to moisture and light.
Shipping Condition
Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)
Solubility Data
Solubility (In Vitro)
DMSO :≥ 100 mg/mL
Solubility (In Vivo)
Note: Listed below are some common formulations that may be used to formulate products with low water solubility (e.g. < 1 mg/mL), you may test these formulations using a minute amount of products to avoid loss of samples.

Injection Formulations
(e.g. IP/IV/IM/SC)
Injection Formulation 1: DMSO : Tween 80: Saline = 10 : 5 : 85 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO stock solution 50 μL Tween 80 850 μL Saline)
*Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH ₂ O to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 2: DMSO : PEG300Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO 400 μLPEG300 50 μL Tween 80 450 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 3: DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL DMSO 900 μL Corn oil)
Example: Take the Injection Formulation 3 (DMSO : Corn oil = 10 : 90) as an example, if 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can take 100 μL 25 mg/mL DMSO stock solution and add to 900 μL corn oil, mix well to obtain a clear or suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).
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Injection Formulation 4: DMSO : 20% SBE-β-CD in saline = 10 : 90 [i.e. 100 μL DMSO 900 μL (20% SBE-β-CD in saline)]
*Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C,1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.
Injection Formulation 5: 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin : Saline = 50 : 50 (i.e. 500 μL 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin 500 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 6: DMSO : PEG300 : castor oil : Saline = 5 : 10 : 20 : 65 (i.e. 50 μL DMSO 100 μLPEG300 200 μL castor oil 650 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 7: Ethanol : Cremophor : Saline = 10: 10 : 80 (i.e. 100 μL Ethanol 100 μL Cremophor 800 μL Saline)
Injection Formulation 8: Dissolve in Cremophor/Ethanol (50 : 50), then diluted by Saline
Injection Formulation 9: EtOH : Corn oil = 10 : 90 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH 900 μL Corn oil)
Injection Formulation 10: EtOH : PEG300Tween 80 : Saline = 10 : 40 : 5 : 45 (i.e. 100 μL EtOH 400 μLPEG300 50 μL Tween 80 450 μL Saline)


Oral Formulations
Oral Formulation 1: Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na (carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
Oral Formulation 2: Suspend in 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Example: Take the Oral Formulation 1 (Suspend in 0.5% CMC Na) as an example, if 100 mL of 2.5 mg/mL working solution is to be prepared, you can first prepare 0.5% CMC Na solution by measuring 0.5 g CMC Na and dissolve it in 100 mL ddH2O to obtain a clear solution; then add 250 mg of the product to 100 mL 0.5% CMC Na solution, to make the suspension solution (2.5 mg/mL, ready for use in animals).
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Oral Formulation 3: Dissolved in PEG400
Oral Formulation 4: Suspend in 0.2% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 5: Dissolve in 0.25% Tween 80 and 0.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose
Oral Formulation 6: Mixing with food powders


Note: Please be aware that the above formulations are for reference only. InvivoChem strongly recommends customers to read literature methods/protocols carefully before determining which formulation you should use for in vivo studies, as different compounds have different solubility properties and have to be formulated differently.

 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)
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What volume of a given 10 mM stock solution is required to make 25 ml of a 25 μM solution?
Using the equation C1V1 = C2V2, where C1=10 mM, C2=25 μM, V2=25 ml and V1 is the unknown:
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g/mol

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Note: Chemical formula is case sensitive: C12H18N3O4  c12h18n3o4
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In vivo Formulation Calculator (Clear solution)
Step 1: Enter information below (Recommended: An additional animal to make allowance for loss during the experiment)
Step 2: Enter in vivo formulation (This is only a calculator, not the exact formulation for a specific product. Please contact us first if there is no in vivo formulation in the solubility section.)
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Calculation results

Working concentration mg/mL;

Method for preparing DMSO stock solution mg drug pre-dissolved in μL DMSO (stock solution concentration mg/mL). Please contact us first if the concentration exceeds the DMSO solubility of the batch of drug.

Method for preparing in vivo formulation:Take μL DMSO stock solution, next add μL PEG300, mix and clarify, next addμL Tween 80, mix and clarify, next add μL ddH2O,mix and clarify.

(1) Please be sure that the solution is clear before the addition of next solvent. Dissolution methods like vortex, ultrasound or warming and heat may be used to aid dissolving.
             (2) Be sure to add the solvent(s) in order.

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