CJC-1295 (No DAC) Molecular Weight, Sequence & CAS Reference

Chemical Overview and Structural Classification

CJC-1295 (No DAC)—frequently designated in scientific literature as Modified GRF 1-29 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor 1-29)—is a synthetic tetrasubstituted peptide analog of native growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). The native GHRH molecule is a 44-amino-acid peptide produced in the hypothalamus, but functional assays have confirmed that the biological activity resides predominantly within the N-terminal 29-amino-acid sequence.

In cell-free and preclinical tissue assays, CJC-1295 (No DAC) functions as a selective GHRH receptor agonist. Unlike its counterpart containing the Drug Affinity Complex (CJC-1295 DAC), which covalently binds to circulating serum albumin via a maleimidoproprionyl linker, CJC-1295 (No DAC) lacks this reactive bioconjugate appendage. Consequently, it exhibits rapid receptor binding kinetics and a shorter half-life in vitro, making it a valuable tool for investigating physiological GHRH receptor signaling dynamics without prolonged systemic retention.

Amino Acid Sequence and Molecular Structure

The primary amino acid sequence of CJC-1295 (No DAC) comprises 29 amino acids modified at strategic residues to enhance enzymatic stability against dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and endopeptidase degradation in cell culture assays. The full single-letter sequence is structured as follows:

Y-a-E-A-I-F-T-Q-S-Y-R-K-V-L-A-Q-L-S-A-R-K-L-L-Q-D-I-L-S-R-NH2 (where lower-case 'a' represents D-Alanine).

Written in three-letter amino acid code, the modified sequence is: Tyr-D-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Gln-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Leu-Ser-Arg-NH2.

Key structural modifications relative to endogenous GHRH(1-29) include the substitution of D-Alanine at position 2 (protecting against DPP-IV cleavage), Glutamine at position 8, Alanine at position 15, and Leucine at position 27. The C-terminus is fully amidated (-NH2) to prevent carboxypeptidase cleavage, thereby increasing peptide stability during in vitro incubation.

Molecular Weight, Empirical Formula, and Mass Spectrometry

Determining the exact molecular weight of CJC-1295 (No DAC) is critical for quantitative solution preparation, mass spectrometry calibration, and molarity calculations in laboratory experiments. The theoretical chemical data for the free base form are established as follows:

Molecular Formula: C152H252N44O42 | Average Molecular Weight: 3367.97 g/mol | Monoisotopic Mass: 3365.89 Da.

In analytical chemistry workflows, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) confirms identity by observing the multi-charged ions typically generated during electrospray ionization (ESI). Researchers often observe [M+3H]3+, [M+4H]4+, and [M+5H]5+ charge states corresponding to the theoretical mass profile. Every lot supplied by PX1 Research undergoes rigorous mass verification to ensure chemical fidelity against published theoretical mass spectra.

CAS Registry Number and Systemic Identifiers

Systematic nomenclature and official registration numbers ensure precise tracking across chemical databases and chemical inventory management systems:

CAS Registry Number: 863288-34-4 (assigned to Modified GRF 1-29 / CJC-1295 without DAC). Chemical Name / IUPAC: L-tyrosyl-D-alanyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alanyl-L-isoleucyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-threonyl-L-glutaminyl-L-seryl-L-tyrosyl-L-arginyl-L-lysyl-L-valyl-L-leucyl-L-alanyl-L-glutaminyl-L-leucyl-L-seryl-L-alanyl-L-arginyl-L-lysyl-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-glutaminyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-isoleucyl-L-leucyl-L-seryl-L-argininamide. Chemical Synonyms: Modified GRF 1-29, Mod GRF 1-29, Tetrasubstituted GHRH 1-29.

Note: Where specific salt forms or stereoisomeric variations are registered under distinct secondary internal codes, researchers should cross-reference the batch specific analytical documentation supplied on the PX1 Research Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Salt Form Impact: TFA vs. Acetate Counterions and Net Peptide Content

Peptides manufactured via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) are cleaved from resin supports using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Consequently, the raw peptide product exists as a TFA salt, where basic residues (such as Lysine and Arginine) and the N-terminus form ionic complexes with trifluoroacetate counterions.

The presence of salt counterions and residual moisture means that the gross mass of a lyophilized vial does not equal 100% active peptide content. For instance, a vial containing 2.0 mg of lyophilized powder with a Net Peptide Content (NPC) of 82% yields 1.64 mg of actual peptide molecule, with the remaining mass comprising counterions (TFA or acetate) and bound water.

When performing quantitative assays or preparing precise molar concentrations using our reconstitution calculator, investigators must adjust mass calculations based on the batch-specific NPC provided in the analytical documentation. PX1 Research supplies high-purity research materials with defined salt content and low endotoxin limits, produced in ISO 17025 accredited facilities.

Preclinical Mechanism of Action and Receptor Targets

CJC-1295 (No DAC) acts as a selective agonist at the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR), a G-protein coupled receptor primary located on pituitary somatotrophs in cellular models. Binding of CJC-1295 (No DAC) to GHRHR stimulates the Gs alpha subunit, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.

In preclinical rodent models, elevated cAMP signaling triggers the phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA), which downstream promotes transcription of growth hormone (GH) genes and facilitates pulsatile exocytosis of stored GH granules. Preclinical studies suggest that because CJC-1295 (No DAC) preserves a physiological, pulsatile release profile rather than continuous baseline elevation, it serves as an effective model for investigating tissue repair pathways, protein synthesis rates, and IGF-1 axis modulation without causing GHRH receptor downregulation or desensitization.

Comparative Analysis: CJC-1295 (No DAC) vs. Related GHRH and GHRP Analogs

In peptide research, researchers frequently compare secretagogues within the GHRH analog class and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonists to evaluate signaling synergy and half-life variances. Understanding these structural distinctions is essential when designing comparative in vitro assays across our catalog of all peptides.

Compared to native GHRH(1-29) or Sermorelin, CJC-1295 (No DAC) contains four amino acid substitutions that significantly enhance resistance to enzymatic cleavage while retaining full receptor affinity. In contrast to CJC-1295 DAC, which features an added Lys(L-DAC) linker that extends half-life to several days in animal models, CJC-1295 (No DAC) exhibits an in vivo half-life of approximately 30 minutes, allowing researchers to study finite, pulsatile GH release kinetics.

Furthermore, while GHRH analogs target the canonical GHRH receptor, ghrelin mimetics such as Ipamorelin act on the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a). Preclinical research designs often utilize co-incubation of a GHRH agonist like CJC-1295 (No DAC) alongside a GHRP to study synergistic GH release mechanisms in pituitary cell cultures.

Laboratory Reconstitution, Storage, and Handling Guidelines

To preserve structural integrity and prevent enzymatic or chemical degradation during laboratory experimentation, strict handling protocols must be observed:

Reconstitution: Lyophilized CJC-1295 (No DAC) should be reconstituted using Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol) or Sterile Water for Injection, depending on experimental design. Allow the solvent to stream gently down the inner glass wall of the vial rather than agitating directly onto the cake, then gently swirl until fully dissolved.

Storage Conditions: Lyophilized powder should be stored at -20°C for short-term preservation or -80°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, liquid aliquots should be maintained at 2°C to 8°C and used within 14 to 28 days depending on the reconstitution medium. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles must be avoided to prevent peptide aggregation and cleavage.

For broader experimental protocol design, review our extensive library of research insights at the PX1 research hub or explore institutional supply accounts at our wholesale portal.

Quality Assurance, HPLC/MS Verification, and PX1 Research Standards

PX1 Research is committed to providing analytical-grade research compounds manufactured under strict Quality Management Systems in ISO 17025 accredited and GMP-compliant facilities within the USA.

Every batch of CJC-1295 (No DAC) undergoes comprehensive testing, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to verify chromatographic purity (>98%), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to confirm molecular weight, and chromogenic LAL assays to ensure endotoxin levels remain below standard research thresholds (<0.01 EU/mg). Batch-specific COAs are published publicly for verified laboratory access.