Somatostatin
Somatostatin — A cyclic peptide hormone that inhibits the release of growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon, playing a key regulatory role in endocrine function.
What Is Somatostatin?
Somatostatin (SST) is a cyclic peptide hormone that exists in two bioactive forms: SST-14 (14 amino acids) and SST-28 (28 amino acids, with SST-14 at the C-terminus). SST-14 has a molecular weight of 1637.9 Da and contains a disulfide bond between Cys3 and Cys14. Originally identified in the hypothalamus as a growth hormone inhibitor, it is now known to be produced throughout the nervous system, GI tract, and pancreas.
Mechanism of Action
Somatostatin binds five receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5), all Gi-coupled GPCRs that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and reduce cAMP levels. This broadly inhibitory mechanism suppresses secretion of growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, gastrin, and numerous other hormones. SSTRs also activate potassium channels and inhibit calcium channels, hyperpolarizing target cells.
Research Applications
- Endocrinology: The reference inhibitor for GH secretion studies, used to characterize the GH axis alongside GHRP-6 and CJC-1295
- Gastroenterology: Research on gastric acid suppression and GI motility regulation
- Neuroendocrine tumors: Somatostatin analogs (octreotide, lanreotide) are established therapies derived from SST research
- Pancreatic function: Studies on insulin and glucagon secretion modulation
Storage
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Short native half-life (~3 minutes) due to rapid enzymatic degradation. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and used promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Somatostatin?
A cyclic peptide hormone that inhibits the release of growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon, playing a key regulatory role in endocrine function.
Why is Somatostatin important in peptide research?
Somatostatin 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.