PTD-DBM
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain-Dishevelled Binding Motif)
Overview
PTD-DBM is a synthetic peptide that activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hair follicles by disrupting the interaction between Dishevelled (Dvl) proteins and CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5 (CXXC5). It was developed at Yonsei University in South Korea and has shown remarkable hair regeneration effects in preclinical studies — producing hair regrowth comparable to minoxidil in mouse models and showing promising results in early human studies. PTD-DBM represents one of the most mechanistically targeted hair loss interventions developed using peptide technology.
Mechanism of Action
Hair follicle cycling depends critically on Wnt/β-catenin signaling — active Wnt signaling drives follicles into the anagen (growth) phase while its absence allows catagen (regression) and telogen (rest). CXXC5 is a negative regulator of Wnt signaling that binds to Dishevelled proteins and suppresses β-catenin activation. PTD-DBM is designed to penetrate cells (via the protein transduction domain) and block the CXXC5-Dvl interaction freeing Dvl to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in follicular stem cells. The result is re-entry of resting follicles into the growth phase and proliferation of hair matrix cells. In mouse studies PTD-DBM combined with valproic acid (a GSK-3β inhibitor) produced complete hair regrowth in shaved and chemotherapy-treated mice within weeks. The combination approach simultaneously activates Wnt from two complementary angles.
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Dosage Information
Typical Dose
Topical: 1-3 mM concentration in solution
Frequency
Once or twice daily topical application
Administration
Topical solution applied to scalp
Notes
Often combined with valproic acid topical solution in research protocols. Limited human clinical data. The peptide must penetrate the scalp to reach follicle stem cells — penetration enhancers may improve efficacy.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C124H225N61O28S2
Molecular Weight
3082.60 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2R)-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2R)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-5-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]acetyl]amino]acetyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanoyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-sulfanylpropanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
PubChem CID
176453931Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Topical solution applied to scalp
- Typical Dose
- Topical: 1-3 mM concentration in solution
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily topical application
- References
- 0 curated + 47 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 32.1 / 100