Emerging Research

Dihexa

Cognitive & Neurological · ['N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide', 'PNB-0408', 'ATH-1001', 'Hexanoyl-Tyr-Ile-Ahx-NH2']

Dihexa is a small orally-active angiotensin IV-derived oligopeptide studied in preclinical models for its effects on synaptogenesis and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling.

🔬 Research use only — not for human or veterinary use. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions.

Molecular Formula

C27H44N4O5

Molecular Weight

504.7 g/mol

PubChem

CID 129010512 ↗

Research Level

Emerging Research

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Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide) is a synthetic oligopeptide analog derived from angiotensin IV. It was designed by researchers at Washington State University as a metabolically stabilized, blood-brain-barrier-penetrant molecule intended to retain the pro-cognitive activity attributed to angiotensin IV while resisting rapid enzymatic degradation.

In preclinical literature, Dihexa has been characterized as a potent facilitator of synapse formation. Reported studies used rodent models of cognitive impairment and cell-culture systems to examine its influence on dendritic spine density and hippocampal connectivity.

Dihexa is an investigational research compound. It has not been approved by any regulatory agency for the treatment of any condition, and available data derive primarily from cell-culture and rodent studies.

Published mechanistic work indicates Dihexa acts within the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met receptor system. It has been reported to bind HGF and augment HGF-dependent activation of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, a pathway linked to dendritic arborization and synaptogenesis in neurons.

Through this HGF/c-Met axis, in vitro studies describe increased dendritic spine formation and functional synapse assembly in cultured hippocampal neurons, offering a proposed cellular basis for the cognitive effects observed in animal models.

Synaptogenesis and dendritic spine formation in cultured hippocampal neurons (McCoy et al., 2013).
Spatial learning and memory in scopolamine- and lesion-based rodent models of cognitive deficit (Benoist et al., 2014).
HGF/c-Met receptor signaling as a molecular target for pro-cognitive small molecules (Wright & Harding, 2015).
Structure-activity relationships of angiotensin IV-derived peptides and metabolic stability.
Exploratory interest in neurodegenerative and neurotrophic model systems (preclinical only).

📋 How published studies were conducted — a research reference summarizing study designs from the literature. This is not usage, dosing, or administration guidance. K4 Elite does not provide dosing instructions; determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher.

In a cell-based study, McCoy and colleagues (2013) applied Dihexa to cultured rat hippocampal neurons and reported concentration-dependent increases in dendritic spine number and synapse-associated protein expression, with picomolar to nanomolar potency in their assay system [1].

Benoist and colleagues (2014) evaluated orally administered Dihexa in a rodent scopolamine model of memory impairment, using Morris water-maze performance as the outcome measure; the report described improved spatial learning relative to vehicle-treated animals at the doses tested in that study [2].

Review work by Wright and Harding (2015) summarized the angiotensin IV / HGF-c-Met framework across multiple rodent and in vitro datasets, contextualizing Dihexa within that mechanistic literature [3].

Combinations examined in the research literature. Descriptive only — not a recommendation to combine compounds.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)Synergistic

Preclinical reports describe Dihexa augmenting HGF-dependent c-Met activation; central to its proposed mechanism.

c-Met inhibitorsCaution

Agents that block c-Met signaling would be expected to oppose Dihexa's proposed pathway in experimental systems.

BDNF-pathway modulatorsNeutral

Both relate to neurotrophic signaling; direct interaction not established in the literature.

Cholinergic agents (e.g., scopolamine)Neutral

Used together only as a model system in cognition studies, not as a therapeutic combination.

What is Dihexa?

Dihexa is a synthetic angiotensin IV-derived oligopeptide investigated in preclinical models for effects on synapse formation via HGF/c-Met signaling.

How does Dihexa work in research models?

Published studies propose it binds HGF and enhances c-Met receptor activation, promoting dendritic spine and synapse formation in cultured neurons.

Has Dihexa been approved for human use?

No. Dihexa is an investigational compound with no regulatory approval; the available evidence comes from cell-culture and rodent studies.

Is Dihexa a stimulant?

No. It is not classed as a stimulant; research characterizes it as a neurotrophic/synaptogenic peptide analog.

Can this product be used in humans or animals?

No. This material is offered strictly for laboratory research use only. It is not a drug, supplement, or food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: This profile summarizes published preclinical and laboratory research for reference only. It is not medical advice and makes no claim of safety or efficacy in humans. Determining any research protocol is the sole responsibility of the qualified researcher. Products are sold strictly for in-vitro research and have not been evaluated by the FDA.