CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a widely investigated growth hormone-releasing hormone analog designed to elicit physiologically representative somatotropic axis stimulation. This comprehensive technical overview examines the structural evolution, receptor kinetics, preclinical tissue repair findings, and analytical quality requirements for CJC-1295 No DAC in laboratory research.
CJC-1295 No DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a widely investigated growth hormone-releasing hormone analog designed to elicit physiologically representative somatotropic axis stimulation. This comprehensive technical overview examines the structural evolution, receptor kinetics, preclinical tissue repair findings, and analytical quality requirements for CJC-1295 No DAC in laboratory research.
CJC-1295 No DAC, also known as Modified GRF (1-29), is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). In laboratory research, CJC-1295 No DAC is studied as a long-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone that sustains GH and downstream IGF-1 levels for tissue repair research while preserving natural, pulsatile somatotroph secretion.
Unlike native GHRH(1-44) or truncated GHRH(1-29), which suffer rapid enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) in blood plasma, CJC-1295 No DAC incorporates selective amino acid substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27. These specific chemical modifications enhance enzymatic stability and extend the biological half-life from approximately 5-8 minutes to roughly 30 minutes in animal models. By omitting the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC), this peptide avoids irreversible covalent binding to serum albumin, allowing researchers to evaluate transient GHRH receptor stimulation without inducing continuous, non-pulsatile growth hormone elevation.
To understand CJC-1295 No DAC research, one must examine its molecular backbone relative to human GHRH. The biological activity of endogenous GHRH resides within its N-terminal 29-amino-acid sequence, termed sermorelin or GRF(1-29). However, wild-type GRF(1-29) is rapidly cleaved by DPP-IV between Alanine-2 and Aspartic Acid-3, rendering it inactive within minutes of systemic exposure.
In the design of CJC-1295 No DAC, researchers substituted four amino acid residues to construct 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. The inclusion of D-alanine at position 2 confers resistance against DPP-IV enzymatic cleavage. Substitutions at positions 8 (Gln), 15 (Ala), and 27 (Leu) improve structural alpha-helical conformation, metabolic resistance, and binding affinity for the GHRH receptor. Investigators seeking to explore these chemical properties can analyze reference samples from our all peptides catalog.
In vitro data indicate that CJC-1295 No DAC functions as a high-affinity selective agonist at the GHRH receptor (GHRHR), a class B G-protein-coupled receptor located primarily on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells. Binding of the peptide to GHRHR activates the Gαs protein subunit, stimulating adenylate cyclase and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation. Elevated cAMP subsequently activates protein kinase A (PKA), triggering calcium influx via L-type voltage-gated calcium channels.
This signaling cascade leads directly to the exocytosis of stored growth hormone vesicles into extracellular fluid. Because CJC-1295 No DAC exhibits a moderate half-life devoid of albumin conjugation, preclinical studies demonstrate that it elicits episodic, pulsatile GH release. This pulsatile profile mirrors endogenous secretory dynamics, preventing downregulation or desensitization of GHRH receptors during extended experimental assays. For detailed pathways, researchers can reference our expanded guide on growth factor signaling pathways.
In animal models, CJC-1295 No DAC administration leads to measurable downstream elevations in circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is synthesized predominantly by hepatocytes in response to pituitary GH pulses. Preclinical studies suggest that elevated systemic IGF-1 concentrations play a central role in regulating cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling across diverse biological tissues.
Rodent assays evaluating musculoskeletal injury models show that CJC-1295 No DAC enhanced cellular migration and collagen cross-linking in damaged tendinous and muscular tissue. Furthermore, investigations into cellular nitrogen balance demonstrate marked reductions in protein catabolism during catabolic experimental conditions. Researchers interested in tissue regeneration mechanisms often evaluate cjc-1295 no dac alongside downstream growth factor mediators in controlled in vitro frameworks.
When evaluating GHRH secretagogues for experimental design, researchers must distinguish between modified peptides based on their pharmacokinetic kinetics and binding characteristics. The key structural difference between CJC-1295 No DAC and CJC-1295 with DAC lies in the presence of the Lys(Maleimidohexanoic acid) group. The DAC moiety forms a covalent bond with circulating plasma albumin, extending the elimination half-life from 30 minutes to up to 8 days, converting pulsatile GH release into a persistent baseline elevation. Conversely, native-sequence analogs such as sermorelin retain the unmodified GRF(1-29) structure, yielding rapid clearance and requiring strict timing in laboratory administration. Investigators seeking dual-pathway somatotroph activation frequently combine GHRH peptides with selective growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) agonists like ipamorelin to evaluate synergistic GH release.
Preclinical literature extensively documents the synergistic interaction between GHRH receptor agonists and Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR-1a) agonists. While CJC-1295 No DAC activates the Gαs/cAMP/PKA signaling cascade, ghrelin mimetic peptides like ipamorelin or ghrp-2 act via the Gαq/Phospholipase C/IP3 pathway to elevate intracellular calcium levels.
In animal models, co-administration of CJC-1295 No DAC with a GHSR agonist produces a amplification of pituitary GH output that exceeds the additive mathematical sum of either compound administered independently. This dual-stimulatory approach allows laboratory researchers to study maximum secretory capacity without overwhelming individual receptor pathways. To learn more about secretagogue mechanics, explore our dedicated gh secretagogues overview.
Proper handling and reconstitution procedures are essential for maintaining peptide integrity and preventing degradation during laboratory experimentation. CJC-1295 No DAC is typically supplied as a lyophilized white powder under vacuum or inert gas atmosphere. Reconstitution should be performed using sterile Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or sterile laboratory-grade Deionized Water, depending on assay requirements.
To minimize physical shearing of the peptide chain, liquid media should be directed gently against the glass vial wall rather than sprayed directly onto the lyophilized cake. Gentle swirling is recommended; physical vortexing or violent agitation must be avoided as it can cause peptide denaturation or aggregation. Once reconstituted, stock solutions should be stored at 2°C to 8°C for short-term evaluation (up to 30 days) or split into single-use aliquots and maintained at -20°C to -80°C for extended storage to prevent freeze-thaw degradation cycles. For full protocols, refer to the px1 research center.
Reliable research outcomes require verified chemical purity, correct primary molecular sequence, and freedom from biological contaminants. Substandard or unverified peptide compounds introduce confounding variables that invalidate preclinical data. PX1 Research mandates rigorous batch testing for every lot produced.
Quality control verification relies on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to establish chemical purity (requiring ≥98.0% main peak purity) and Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF) to confirm exact molecular mass (2,688.0 Da for CJC-1295 No DAC). Additionally, Endotoxin testing via Chromogenic LAL assay ensures bacterial endotoxin levels remain below 0.05 EU/mg, preventing unwanted inflammatory or cytokine signaling in sensitive cell cultures. Every lot is manufactured in USA-based, GMP-compliant facilities and verified by independent ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Qualified institutional buyers can explore institutional options via our wholesale lab account portal.
What is CJC-1295 No DAC?
CJC-1295 No DAC (also known as Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic 29-amino-acid peptide analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) containing four amino acid substitutions that enhance enzymatic stability while retaining a short biological half-life (~30 minutes).
How does CJC-1295 No DAC differ from CJC-1295 with DAC?
CJC-1295 No DAC lacks the Drug Affinity Complex (maleimidohexanoic acid linker), meaning it does not bind covalently to serum albumin. This results in a shorter half-life that promotes natural, pulsatile growth hormone release rather than the sustained, continuous GH elevation produced by the DAC variant.
What receptor target does CJC-1295 No DAC bind to?
CJC-1295 No DAC acts as a selective agonist at the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) located on anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, activating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
What is the primary area of focus in CJC-1295 No DAC research?
In preclinical research, CJC-1295 No DAC is studied as a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog that sustains physiological GH and downstream IGF-1 levels for tissue repair, protein metabolism, and cellular proliferation research.
How should lyophilized CJC-1295 No DAC be stored in the lab?
Unreconstituted lyophilized vials should be stored at -20°C to -80°C away from light and moisture. Upon reconstitution with sterile diluent, liquid solutions should be kept at 2°C–8°C for short-term use or aliquoted and frozen at -80°C to prevent degradation.
Why is third-party HPLC and MS testing necessary for research peptides?
RP-HPLC confirms overall chemical purity and quantifies impurities, while Mass Spectrometry (MS) verifies exact molecular weight and sequence identity. Together, they guarantee that observed experimental effects result solely from the target peptide.
What endotoxin standards does PX1 Research require for CJC-1295 No DAC?
PX1 Research mandates strict Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing, ensuring endotoxin concentrations remain below 0.05 EU/mg to prevent endotoxin-induced immune response artifacting in cell culture and animal models.
Is CJC-1295 No DAC intended for human therapeutic use?
No. CJC-1295 No DAC supplied by PX1 Research is strictly for in vitro, laboratory, and preclinical research applications. It is not for human or animal therapeutic, diagnostic, or clinical use.
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.