Pep-3

Pep-3 is a synthetic homo-dimer peptide derived from the hexapeptide FCIGRL-NH2 (Pep-1), which is a fragment of the *Vibrio cholerae* Zonula occludens toxin (ZOT). Developed through a collaboration between Chung-Ang University and the University of Maryland, Pep-3 acts as a tight junction modulator designed to enhance the oral delivery of drugs with poor membrane permeability. It functions by interacting with the zonulin receptor on the intestinal epithelium, triggering a signaling cascade that leads to the reversible opening of intercellular tight junctions. This mechanism increases paracellular permeability, thereby significantly enhancing the oral absorption and bioavailability of therapeutic agents such as Cyclosporin A and Doxorubicin. Pep-3 is primarily investigated as a pharmaceutical excipient or absorption enhancer for oral drug delivery systems.

Other names

ZOT-derived peptide dimerPep-3 peptidePep3 peptidePep 3 peptideFCIGRL-NH2 dimerFCIGRL-NH-2 dimerFCIGRL-NH 2 dimer