Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34 is an anti-aging lipopeptide that has been developed to inhibit UV-induced matrix-degrading MMPs and to restore collagen quantities to normal levels. It has the sequence Myr-Gly–Leu–Phe–Trp, is known in the scientific literature as mGLFW, and is marketed under the trade name DermaPep™ A440.
Collagen is one of the main components of the ECM (extracellular matrix) of the skin connective tissue, and its concentration decreases with aging - the loss of collagen results from reduced production and increased degradation after UV exposure.
MMP-1 is one of the enzymes responsible for collagen (type I, III, VII, VIII) degradation and inhibition of new collagen synthesis in the skin. Systemic UV exposure upregulates multiple MMPs, accelerates photoaging, and increases collagen deficiency. This elucidates the balance between production and degradation in the ECM.
In vitro tests showed that a preparation containing small amounts of Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34 significantly decreased the expression of genes and production of MMP-1 under both UV-stimulated and non-stimulated conditions. It also lowered the ROS- or RNS-induced MMP levels. In addition, it increases the expression of the genes COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL5A1 and noticeably restores collagen production levels.In addition, Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-34 decreases the expression of genes involved in the production of pro-inflammatory receptors, such as interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), thereby reducing UV-induced inflammation. Clinical study results demonstrate that this peptide is one of the most promising anti-aging ingredients on the market.
