Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), Rat (Full-length) – Catalog #B2026678

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino-acid neuropeptide processed from the calcitonin precursor gene, present in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Rat CGRP shares 87% sequence identity with human CGRP and is widely used in research to model and study human CGRP biology. The full-length form is active at CGRP receptors and mediates vasodilation, pain signaling, immune modulation, and stress responses.

Scientific Overview

CGRP exists as two isoforms derived from alternative splicing of the calcitonin gene: α-CGRP (commonly called CGRP or CGRPα) and β-CGRP. The α-form is predominant in neuronal tissue and is the primary form used in research. CGRP is synthesized in primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal system, and in autonomic neurons throughout the body. Upon release, CGRP binds to a G-protein-coupled receptor complex (CGRP receptor) composed of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), activating intracellular cAMP signaling.

The full-length 37-amino-acid peptide is required for full receptor activation and is the bioactive form in vivo. This distinguishes it from the CGRP (8–37) fragment, which acts as a competitive antagonist at the CGRP receptor.

Key applications include:

• Functional characterization of CGRP receptor signaling in neurons and smooth muscle
• Migraine research: studying CGRP's role in trigeminal nociception and vasodilation
• Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies with CGRP receptor antagonists and monoclonal antibodies
• Vascular biology and endothelial function studies
• Neuroinflammation and immune regulation research
• Stress response and neuroendocrine studies

Usage & Handling Guidance

Store the lyophilized powder at –20°C in a desiccated environment. Upon receipt, briefly centrifuge the tube before opening to collect powder at the bottom. Reconstitute in sterile PBS, distilled water, or your chosen assay buffer to the desired concentration. CGRP is stable in acidic to neutral pH (pH 4–8) but degrades rapidly in alkaline conditions. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles once reconstituted; prepare working aliquots and store at –20°C or –80°C for long-term use.

• Reconstitution: Add sterile buffer to the vial to achieve desired concentration. Mix gently by pipetting; do not vortex vigorously.
• Stability: Reconstituted peptide is stable for several weeks at 4°C and months at –20°C; avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
• Bioactivity: Confirm bioactivity in your system; typical EC50 values range from 0.1–10 nM depending on receptor type and cell line.
• Endotoxin: For sensitive cell-based assays, request COA/TDS for endotoxin levels.

What You Get

• 0.5 mg of full-length rat CGRP, lyophilized powder
• A highly pure, bioactive neuropeptide for functional and binding studies
• Sufficient material for multiple dose–response experiments or receptor characterization assays
• For research use only (RUO)

Why Researchers Choose It

• High homology to human CGRP for translational migraine and pain research
• Full-length bioactive form, distinct from antagonistic fragments
• Lyophilized format for long-term stability and ease of use
• Well-characterized in the literature for CGRP receptor signaling studies
• Suitable for both in vitro functional assays and structure–activity studies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between this full-length CGRP and CGRP (8–37)?
  Full-length CGRP (1–37) is the active agonist at CGRP receptors and mimics the native peptide. CGRP (8–37) is a truncated fragment that acts as a competitive antagonist and blocks receptor activation; use the antagonist if you wish to inhibit CGRP signaling.
• How do I reconstitute the lyophilized powder?
  Add sterile PBS or your assay buffer to the vial to reach the desired concentration. Mix gently and allow 5–10 minutes for complete dissolution. Brief centrifugation before opening can help recover powder stuck to the vial wall.
• What is the molecular weight of rat CGRP?
  Approximately 3.8 kDa. Request the COA/TDS for exact mass and lot-specific biochemical data.
• Can I use this in vivo?
  This product is for in vitro research use only. It has not been tested for pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, or safety in animal models or humans.
• What assays work well with CGRP?
  Radioreceptor assays, ELISA-based detection, cAMP accumulation assays, calcium flux assays, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, and binding studies with CGRP receptor antagonists or antibodies.
• Is endotoxin testing available?
  Request available lot documentation (COA/TDS) which may include endotoxin and sterility data.

References

• Russell FA, Salmon AM, Franzen L, Schemann M, Grundy D, Spina D, King CM, Grant AD. Calcitonin gene-related peptide: physiology and pathophysiology. Physiol Rev. 2014;94(4):1099-142.
• Goodman EC, Iversen LL. Calcitonin gene-related peptide: novel neuropeptide. Life Sci. 1986;38(24):2169-78.
• Brain SD, Grant AD. Vascular actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide and adrenomedullin. Physiol Rev. 2004;84(3):903-34.
• Edvinsson L, Haanes KA, Warfvinge K, Krause DN. CGRP as the target of new migraine therapies. Nat Rev Neurol. 2018;14(6):338-350.
• Goadsby PJ, Holland PR, Martins-Oliveira M, Hoffmann J, Schankin C, Akerman S. Pathophysiology of Migraine: A Disorder of Sensory Processing. Physiol Rev. 2017;97(2):553-622.