PTD-DBM
What it is
PTD-DBM is a synthetic research peptide that fuses a protein transduction domain (PTD), which helps the molecule cross cell membranes, with a Dishevelled binding motif (DBM). It belongs to the family of peptides that modulate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
Research context and categorization
PTD-DBM is generally grouped under the healing and tissue-repair category, with overlap into skin and hair research. In laboratory models it acts by competing with the protein CXXC5 for binding to Dishevelled (Dvl), an upstream component of Wnt signaling. Because CXXC5 normally acts as a negative regulator of that pathway, disrupting the CXXC5 to Dvl interaction is discussed as a way to release that brake in cell-based and animal studies.
In neutral research terms, PTD-DBM is commonly discussed in relation to the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and is investigated for hair follicle activity and cutaneous wound repair in preclinical work, including studies from a Yonsei University research group. Some of these studies also pair it with valproic acid, a Wnt pathway activator, when examining wound-induced hair neogenesis. These uses are investigational only. As of this writing there are no completed, peer-reviewed human clinical trials of PTD-DBM, and none of the described effects are confirmed or approved outcomes in humans.
Status
- Regulatory status: Research-only. PTD-DBM is not FDA-approved for any indication and has no regulatory classification as a bulk drug substance.
- Sport status: Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List, but as an unapproved synthetic peptide with no regulatory approval it falls under class S0 (Non-Approved Substances), which is prohibited at all times in sport governed by WADA.
Reconstitution notes (general)
Reconstitution concentration is calculated as the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 5 mg vial brought up in 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2.5 mg per mL. You can work out any vial-and-volume combination with the calculator at our reconstitution and blend calculators.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
PTD-DBM is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, commonly in 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg vials, so it does require reconstitution before use in solution. It is frequently manufactured as a TFA salt, and that TFA counterion tends to improve aqueous solubility, so the powder often dissolves in bacteriostatic water without a co-solvent. Typical practice is a modest water-per-vial volume chosen to reach a workable concentration rather than a highly concentrated stock.
Because it carries a hydrophobic transduction domain, some batches can be slow to go fully into solution or can look faintly cloudy or hazy if brought up too concentrated. The practical fix is to add the water gently down the inside wall of the vial rather than directly onto the powder, then let it sit and swirl slowly rather than shaking. If a batch resists a pure-water dissolve, a very small amount of DMSO is sometimes used to pre-wet hydrophobic peptides before diluting into aqueous buffer, and some topical laboratory preparations in the literature use a water-plus-DMSO vehicle for this reason. Do not force dissolution by vigorous shaking or vortexing, which can foam or denature the peptide. Material that stays visibly undissolved or cloudy is a solubility-limit signal, not a dosing cue.
Handling and storage
Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 C and out of direct light. Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab before and after accessing the vial, and label it with the mix date. Reconstituted peptide is generally treated as usable for roughly a 4-week refrigerated window. Keep the lyophilized powder cold before mixing and do not freeze the solution once reconstituted. Discard the vial if the contents turn cloudy or discolored or show visible floaters.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.