SNAP-8 (Acetyl Octapeptide-3): A Laboratory Research Reference

SNAP-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a synthetic octapeptide engineered to resemble a fragment of the SNARE protein SNAP-25. It is studied in laboratory research as a modulator of SNARE-complex assembly in experimental models.

This page is a non-promotional scientific reference for researchers. It summarises the chemical identity, molecular characteristics, mechanism as described in the literature, research areas, and analytical testing of SNAP-8. It does not provide dosing, therapeutic, or human-use guidance of any kind. SNAP-8 supplied by Bulk Aussie Peptides is for laboratory research purposes only.

What Is SNAP-8?

SNAP-8 is an acetylated, C-terminally amidated octapeptide modelled on the amino-terminal region of SNAP-25, a protein that participates in synaptic vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release through the SNARE complex. SNAP-8 is an extended form of the hexapeptide acetyl hexapeptide-3 (Argireline), adding an alanine and an aspartate residue while sharing the same SNAP-25-derived motif. It is used in research as a compact mimic of a SNAP-25 interaction motif.

For background on how synthetic research peptides are produced and verified, see the synthetic peptides research guide.

Molecular Characteristics

• Classification: a synthetic octapeptide modelled on a SNAP-25 amino-terminal motif.
• Sequence: Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-Ala-Asp-NH₂, with N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation.
• Molecular weight: reported in Daltons (Da) on product documentation; the measured value on a Certificate of Analysis should be compared against the theoretical mass.
• Physical form: supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder, the standard presentation for research peptides.

How SNAP-8 Works

SNAP-8 is studied as a competitive modulator of SNARE-complex assembly. By mimicking a segment of SNAP-25, it is proposed to interfere with the assembly of the SNARE complex that mediates vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release, thereby reducing the signalling that underlies muscle contraction in experimental models. Unlike botulinum toxin, SNAP-8 is not an enzyme and does not cleave SNAP-25; it acts as a structural mimetic.

These observations describe in vitro and topical-model findings and do not constitute a therapeutic use.

Areas of Scientific Research

• SNARE-complex biology: study of peptide modulators of SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion.
• Neurotransmitter release: investigation of SNAP-25-mimetic effects on release in cellular models.
• Peptide mimetics: comparison of SNAP-8 with hexapeptide SNAP-25 mimics.

These investigations are conducted in vitro or in topical/dermal research models under institutional oversight. They do not translate to approved human use.

Analytical Testing

• HPLC for purity assessment, reported as a percentage of total peak area.
• Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation against the theoretical molecular mass.

Guidance on reading the resulting documents is available in the article on how to read a peptide Certificate of Analysis.

Storage and Handling

In a laboratory context, lyophilised SNAP-8 is typically stored in a freezer, protected from light and moisture, and handled according to the product-specific documentation. General guidance is covered in the peptide storage and stability reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is SNAP-8? SNAP-8 is a synthetic octapeptide modelled on a SNAP-25 protein motif.
• What does SNAP-8 modulate? It is studied as a competitive modulator of SNARE-complex assembly.
• How does SNAP-8 differ from botulinum toxin? SNAP-8 is a non-enzymatic mimetic that does not cleave SNAP-25.
• How does SNAP-8 relate to Argireline? SNAP-8 is an extended octapeptide form of the hexapeptide Argireline.
• How is SNAP-8 purity tested? By HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry.

References

• Söllner, T., Bennett, M. K., Whiteheart, S. W., Scheller, R. H., & Rothman, J. E. (1993). A protein assembly-disassembly pathway in vitro that may correspond to sequential steps of synaptic vesicle docking, activation, and fusion. Cell, 75(3), 409–418. PubMed 8221884 (background on the SNARE/SNAP-25 machinery that SNAP-8 mimics).

Related Research Resources

• Synthetic Peptides: Research Guide — how research peptides are produced and verified.
• Reading a Peptide Certificate of Analysis — interpreting purity and identity data.