Snap-8

Snap-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3, also known as Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-3) is a synthetic octapeptide developed as an advanced analogue of Argireline® (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8). It consists of an 8-amino-acid sequence that mimics the N-terminal end of the SNAP-25 protein, a critical component of the SNARE complex involved in neurotransmitter release. Originally developed by Spanish company Lipotec, Snap-8 is classified as a non-invasive peptide for modulating muscle contraction and is widely studied for its applications in topical formulations.

Snap-8 exerts its effects through competitive inhibition of SNARE complex formation. The peptide mimics the N-terminal domain of SNAP-25 and competes with the native protein for binding to syntaxin and synaptobrevin, occupying sites normally reserved for SNAP-25 within the SNARE complex. This competitive binding sterically hinders the assembly of a functional SNARE complex, thereby modulating neurotransmitter release without permanently blocking it. Unlike botulinum toxin, which cleaves SNAP-25 and causes muscle paralysis, Snap-8 acts through reversible competitive binding, resulting in muscle relaxation rather than paralysis. This interaction attenuates the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, reducing the muscle contractions that lead to the formation of expression-related dynamic wrinkles.

• Cosmetic and Topical Formulations: Investigated as a non-invasive alternative to botulinum toxin for reducing expression-related dynamic wrinkles in topical creams, serums, and microneedle patches.
• Neuromodulation and Neurotransmitter Research: Employed as a molecular probe for studying regulated exocytosis, neurotransmitter release analogue systems, and intracellular trafficking pathways.
• Protein-Protein Interaction Studies: Utilized as a tool for probing cellular signaling pathways through interference with SNARE-mediated protein-protein interactions.
• Comparative Efficacy Studies: Used in research evaluating anti-wrinkle efficacy, with studies demonstrating a 34.98% wrinkle depth reduction vs. 27.05% for Argireline in 28-day trials, and ~30% greater activity compared to acetyl hexapeptide-8.

CAS Number: 868844-74-0
Molecular Formula: C₄₁H₇₀N₁₆O₁₆S
Molecular Weight: 1,075.16 g/mol
Sequence: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH₂ (Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH₂)
Purity: ≥ 99%
Form: Lyophilized powder
Storage: Store at ≤ -20°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture
Solubility: Soluble in sterile water and DMSO; prepare working solutions per laboratory protocol