Ara-290 - Erythropoietin-Derived Tissue-Protective Peptide

Ara-290 for Research: Complete Scientific Overview

Ara-290 is an 11-amino acid synthetic peptide (sequence: GLYGLQVLKGR) derived from the helical B domain of erythropoietin (EPO). While full-length EPO is best known for its erythropoietic (red blood cell production) effects mediated through the EPO receptor homodimer, Ara-290 has been specifically engineered to activate the tissue-protective receptor complex (EPO receptor/CD131 heterodimer) without stimulating erythropoiesis. This unique selectivity makes Ara-290 an invaluable research tool for studying the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions of EPO in isolation.

Mechanism of Action

Ara-290 exerts its biological effects through selective activation of the innate repair receptor (IRR):

• Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) Activation: Binds selectively to the heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the EPO receptor (EPOR) and the common beta receptor subunit (CD131), also known as the innate repair receptor (IRR).
• Tissue Protection & Cytoprotection: Activates downstream signaling pathways including JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB modulation, promoting cell survival and reducing apoptosis in neuronal, cardiac, and renal tissues.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) while promoting anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10), creating a favorable environment for tissue repair.
• Neuroprotection: Protects neurons from oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and ischemic injury in various research models of stroke, peripheral neuropathy, and traumatic brain injury.
• No Erythropoietic Activity: Does not activate the EPOR homodimer, therefore does not stimulate red blood cell production — a critical distinction from full-length EPO, allowing researchers to isolate tissue-protective pathways.

Key Research Applications

• Neuroprotection and central nervous system injury research (stroke, TBI, spinal cord)
• Peripheral neuropathy (chemotherapy-induced, diabetic neuropathy) and nerve regeneration
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, and gastrointestinal inflammation models
• Cardioprotection and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury studies
• Renal protection and acute kidney injury (AKI) models
• Diabetic complications and metabolic inflammation research
• Wound healing and tissue repair (dermal, corneal)
• Innate repair receptor (IRR) signaling pharmacology

Chemical Information & Handling

CAS Number: 1227633-34-2
Molecular Formula: C52H93N17O14
Molecular Weight: 1156.4 g/mol
Sequence (11 aa): GLYGLQVLKGR
Purity: >99% (HPLC)
Form: Lyophilized powder
Solubility: Soluble in water, saline, and PBS. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile saline.
Storage: -20°C (lyophilized), 4°C (reconstituted). Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Ara-290 demonstrates excellent stability under recommended storage conditions. Each vial contains exactly the indicated dosage of lyophilized peptide. For reconstitution, add appropriate volume of sterile diluent to achieve desired concentration. Gently swirl until completely dissolved; do not vortex.