Introduction

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment widely referenced in metabolic laboratory research. It is a modified 16-amino-acid sequence derived from the C-terminal region (residues 176-191) of human growth hormone (hGH), and serves as a model compound in laboratory studies of lipid-metabolism pathways.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use or consumption.

Molecular Structure

The AOD-9604 sequence corresponds to hGH residues 176-191 with an N-terminal tyrosine added to stabilize the fragment (YLRIVQCRSVEGSCGF), giving a molecular weight of approximately 1815 Da. The fragment was designed to isolate the region of the hGH molecule associated in the literature with lipolytic-domain studies, separating it from the full protein’s broader signaling profile.

In Vitro Study Applications

In the published literature, AOD-9604 has been studied in laboratory models of adipocyte metabolism, including cultured adipocyte cell lines (such as 3T3-L1) and tissue preparations. Common analytical readouts in these models include glycerol release as a marker of lipolysis, triglyceride content assays, and gene-expression profiling of lipid-pathway markers by qPCR. These are strictly in vitro and laboratory-model systems used to characterize the fragment’s biochemical behavior.

Analytical Methods

Research-grade AOD-9604 is characterized by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity assessment and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF) for identity confirmation. A certificate of analysis (COA) for a research peptide lot should report chromatographic purity, observed vs. theoretical mass, appearance, and storage guidance — the same documentation standard applied to all compounds in a research inventory.

Storage and Handling

Lyophilized peptide samples are stored at -20 C or below, desiccated and protected from light. Sealed vials should be equilibrated to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided per standard laboratory practice.

References

• Ng FM, Jiang WJ, Gianello R, Pitt S, Roupas P. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000;53(6):274-278.
• Heffernan MA, Thorburn AW, Fam B, et al. Increase of fat oxidation and weight loss in obese mice caused by chronic treatment with human growth hormone or a modified C-terminal fragment. Int J Obes. 2001;25(10):1442-1449.