palmitoylated liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (1-14)

Palmitoylated liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (1-14), also known as palm-LEAP2(1-14), is a synthetic, lipidized peptide analog derived from the N-terminal fragment of the endogenous peptide LEAP2. It acts as a potent antagonist and inverse agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a), the primary receptor for ghrelin. By blocking ghrelin signaling, palm-LEAP2(1-14) exerts acute anorexigenic effects and has been investigated for its potential to treat obesity and metabolic disorders, such as liver steatosis and hypercholesterolemia. The addition of a palmitoyl group significantly enhances its binding affinity and plasma stability compared to the non-lipidized truncated peptide. While it shows promise in reducing food intake and improving metabolic markers in preclinical models (particularly in combination with leptin), some studies suggest the development of resistance to its weight-loss effects during chronic administration.

Other names

palmitoylated LEAP2(1-14)palm-LEAP2(1-14)