Crustacean Cardioactive Peptide (CCAP), PFCNAFTGC-NH2 is a biologically significant peptide known for its potent effects on the cardiac function of crustaceans. With the sequence H-Pro-Phe-Cys-Asn-Ala-Phe-Thr-Gly-Cys-NH2 and a molecular weight of 956.11 g/mol, CCAP plays a critical role in regulating heart activity in these organisms.
Applications in Biological Research
In biological research, CCAP is primarily studied for its ino- and chronotropic effects—meaning it influences both the force of heart muscle contraction and the heart rate. This has been demonstrated in studies using semi-isolated crab heart preparations, where both native and synthetic forms of CCAP were found to significantly enhance heart activity.
Researchers utilize CCAP to understand the fundamental mechanisms of neuropeptide regulation of cardiac function in invertebrates, offering insights that could be valuable in broader physiological and pharmacological contexts. The peptide’s impact on heart muscle contractions makes it a model for studying similar regulatory mechanisms in other species, including potential applications in understanding human cardiac function.
Significance in Drug-Related Research
Given its potent effects on heart tissue, CCAP is also of interest in drug-related research. By studying its action, researchers aim to develop analogs or derivatives that could mimic or modulate its effects, potentially leading to new therapies for heart conditions or novel bioactive compounds with applications in cardiovascular research.
Molecular and Storage Information
The peptide has a molecular formula of C42H56N10O12S2. Due to its bioactive nature, CCAP is typically synthesized and stored under controlled conditions to maintain its stability and biological activity, ensuring reliability in experimental applications.
Crustacean Cardioactive Peptide (CCAP) serves as an important tool in both basic and applied research, providing insights into cardiac regulation and offering potential pathways for developing new cardiovascular therapies. | 