C-Peptide
C-Peptide — The 31-amino acid connecting peptide cleaved from proinsulin during insulin biosynthesis, used as a clinical biomarker for endogenous insulin production.
What Is C-Peptide?
C-peptide (connecting peptide) is the 31-amino acid peptide released during the processing of proinsulin to insulin. It connects the A and B chains in the proinsulin precursor and is excised by prohormone convertases during biosynthesis. C-peptide is secreted in equimolar amounts with insulin and serves as a biomarker of endogenous insulin secretion.
Clinical Significance
- Biomarker: Serum C-peptide measures beta-cell function. Not affected by exogenous insulin injection
- Bioactivity: Once thought inert, C-peptide now shown to have vasoprotective effects via GPR146
- Measurement: ELISA or chemiluminescence. Normal fasting: 0.5-2.0 ng/mL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C-Peptide?
The 31-amino acid connecting peptide cleaved from proinsulin during insulin biosynthesis, used as a clinical biomarker for endogenous insulin production.
Why is C-Peptide important in peptide research?
C-Peptide is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.