Acein

Primary Application: Brain Health, Dopamine Support, and Longevity

Fundamental Information

• Amino Acid Sequence: Pro-Pro-Thr-Thr-Thr-Lys-Phe-Ala-Ala (PPTTTKFAA)

• Molecular Formula: C43H68N10O13

• Molecular Weight: 933.06 Daltons

• Primary Target: Brain-bound Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)

Detailed Overview

Acein is a unique synthetic peptide studied for its ability to naturally boost dopamine levels in the brain. Unlike standard medications that block enzymes entirely, Acein acts as a “signaling scaffold.” It binds with high affinity to a specific version of the ACE enzyme found in the brain’s striatum—the region responsible for movement, mood, and coordination—without stopping the enzyme’s normal functions. Instead, it uses the enzyme as a platform to signal the brain to release more dopamine into the synapses.

In longevity studies using the model organism C. elegans, Acein has shown remarkable results in reversing the physical signs of aging. When administered to elderly subjects, it extended their average lifespan by over 25%. Beyond just living longer, the subjects were more active, showing improved muscle coordination and reproductive health. This occurs because Acein turns off a specific gene (clec-126) that usually acts as a “brake” on dopamine release as we age. By removing this brake, Acein helps maintain youthful levels of dopamine, which has significant implications for research into age-related motor decline and Parkinson’s disease.

Scientific References

1. Neasta J, et al. “The novel nonapeptide acein targets angiotensin converting enzyme in the brain and induces dopamine release.” Br J Pharmacol. 2016;173(8):1314-28.

2. Zhang H, et al. “The peptide Acein promotes dopamine secretion through clec-126 to extend the lifespan of elderly C. elegans.” Aging (Albany NY). 2023;15(24):14650-14668.