SNAP-25 InhibitorAnti-WrinkleOctapeptideBotulinum-MimicSNARE Complex Research
Snap-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3, Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2) is a synthetic octapeptide that inhibits SNARE complex assembly by mimicking the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25 — competitively inhibiting SNAP-25 incorporation into the SNAP-23/synaptobrevin/syntaxin complex. This reduces acetylcholine-containing vesicle fusion at the neuromuscular junction — attenuating muscle contraction in a manner analogous to botulinum toxin A, but reversibly and without enzymatic SNAP-25 cleavage. Snap-8 is used in cosmetic science research for studying expression line formation, neuromuscular junction pharmacology, and SNARE complex inhibition by competitive peptide displacement.
Snap-8 acts at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction through SNARE complex competition:
SNAP-25 N-terminal mimicry: Ac-EEMQRRAD-NH2 corresponds to the N-terminal alpha-helix of SNAP-25 — the domain forming part of the four-helix bundle SNARE complex
Competitive SNARE assembly inhibition: Snap-8 competes with endogenous SNAP-25 for incorporation into SNAP-23/syntaxin/synaptobrevin complex → reduced vesicle fusion → reduced ACh release
Reduced muscle contraction: Lower ACh at neuromuscular junction → reduced nicotinic receptor activation → attenuated muscle contraction amplitude
Reversibility: Unlike BoNT-A (enzymatic, irreversible cleavage), Snap-8 competition is reversible — protein turnover restores full SNAP-25 activity
Snap-8 vs Botulinum Toxin A — reversible vs irreversible SNARE inhibition
BoNT-A cleaves SNAP-25 irreversibly — permanent until new SNAP-25 protein is synthesised. Snap-8 competes with SNAP-25 — reversible, lower potency, no enzymatic activity. For research, Snap-8 provides a tool to study SNARE-dependent vesicle fusion without the irreversibility, biosafety requirements, and regulatory constraints of BoNT-A.
SNAP-25 N-terminal peptides reduce muscle contraction in NMJ preparations — Snap-8 is optimised 8-residue version
Industry evaluation data (Lipotec)
Human explant and clinical pilot
Snap-8 reduced wrinkle depth vs vehicle in periocular region — cosmetic efficacy data
Research Protocols — Snap-8
Protocol 1: NMJ preparation electrophysiology
Snap-8 1-500 µM in isolated mouse hemidiaphragm preparation (phrenic nerve-diaphragm). Record compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude vs vehicle and BoNT-A control. Reversibility: washout CMAP recovery at 30/60/120 min.
Protocol 2: SNARE complex assembly inhibition
Snap-8 1-100 µM in in vitro SNARE assembly assay (recombinant SNAP-25 + SNAP-23 + syntaxin-1 + synaptobrevin). SDS-PAGE SNARE complex band density, SPR binding kinetics. Quantifies competitive mechanism.
Snap-8 1-100 µM in collagen gel contraction model with human dermal fibroblasts. Gel area (planimetry), myosin light chain phosphorylation (WB), F-actin stress fibre organisation (phalloidin staining).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snap-8?
Snap-8 (acetyl octapeptide-3) is a synthetic peptide that mimics the N-terminal sequence of SNAP-25 and competitively inhibits SNARE complex assembly — reducing acetylcholine vesicle fusion at neuromuscular junctions. Unlike botulinum toxin, it is reversible.
How does Snap-8 differ from botulinum toxin A?
BoNT-A irreversibly cleaves SNAP-25 enzymatically — effects last weeks. Snap-8 competitively inhibits SNARE complex assembly — reversible, lower potency, no enzymatic activity. Avoids biosafety and regulatory constraints of BoNT-A.
What is SNAP-25?
SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein 25 kDa) is a SNARE protein essential for vesicle-membrane fusion at synaptic terminals and neuromuscular junctions. It forms a four-helix bundle with syntaxin-1 and synaptobrevin-2 driving neurotransmitter release.
What research uses Snap-8?
Primary applications: neuromuscular junction pharmacology (SNARE-dependent vesicle fusion), cosmetic peptide research (anti-wrinkle expression line biology), comparison vs BoNT-A in NMJ preparations, and SNARE complex assembly/disassembly kinetics in cell-free systems.
What formats does QSC supply Snap-8 in?
QSC supplies Snap-8 as lyophilised research vials, ≥99% purity HPLC verified with Janoshik COA. Ships from domestic warehouses in USA, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia.
