Peptides are central to the body’s communication networks, coordinating cell signaling, metabolism, repair, and neurological pathways. As interest in research peptides grows, many beginners naturally ask how peptides are classified, how many different peptides are there, and what the different types of peptides do.
This extended guide helps answer these questions clearly, introducing the core peptide categories used across scientific research.
This version integrates professional guidance, scientific precision, and references to key research molecules like SS-31, Dihexa, 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332, Retatrutide, O-304, NAD+, and L-Glutathione.
Introduction: Why Peptides Matter in Research
Peptides are short amino acid chains that interact with highly specific receptors throughout the body. Their precision makes them ideal tools for studying:
- cellular repair
- mitochondrial function
- neurological signaling
- endocrine communication
- energy regulation
- immune pathways
Both naturally occurring and synthetic research peptides help scientists understand biological processes at a molecular level.
How Many Different Peptides Are There?
The human body naturally produces thousands of peptides with roles in digestion, neurochemistry, regeneration, immunity, and cellular energy.
When including synthetic research peptides designed for lab studies, the number expands significantly.
For beginners, the best approach is not counting every peptide, but understanding the main types of peptides and what they do.
1. Regeneration & Mitochondrial Research Peptides
These peptides support research into tissue repair, microcirculation, mitochondrial stabilization, and cellular resilience.
SS-31 – High Purity Mitochondrial Research Peptide
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is widely used to study:
- mitochondrial membrane interactions
- cardiolipin binding
- oxidative stress dynamics
- ATP production efficiency
Learn more - What is SS-31?
BPC-157
A gastric-derived peptide fragment studied for:
- tissue regeneration models
- microvascular interactions
- cellular repair behavior
Learn more - What is BPC-157?
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)
Used to explore:
- cytoskeletal organization
- angiogenesis
- cell migration pathways
These peptides form the foundation of regenerative peptide research.
2. Growth, Anabolism & Endocrine Signaling Peptides
These types of peptides help scientists examine growth hormone pathways and cellular adaptation processes.
CJC-1295
Used in studies involving:
- GHRH receptor activity
- endocrine signal modeling
- anabolic signaling patterns
Ipamorelin
A selective GHRP peptide explored for:
- pituitary signaling
- growth-linked pathways
- metabolic regulation
3. Cognitive Research Peptides & Neuropeptides
These peptides target pathways involved in learning, memory, mental clarity, and neuroplasticity.
Dihexa – High Purity Cognitive Research Molecule
Dihexa is well known for research into:
- synaptic pathway modeling
- neurotrophic interactions
- long-term memory support mechanisms
Learn more - What is Dihexa?
Selank & Semax
Both synthetic neuropeptides used to study:
- neurotransmitter balances
- learning and focus
- neuroadaptation
- stress pathways
4. Metabolic & Energy Pathway Research Molecules
These compounds explore fat oxidation, glucose regulation, and mitochondrial metabolism.
5-Amino-1MQ – High Purity Research Molecule
Used in studies involving:
- NNMT inhibition pathways
- metabolic efficiency
- adipocyte signaling models
Learn more - What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
SLU-PP-332
Explored in research involving:
- PPAR activation
- thermogenic pathways
- metabolic modulation
Learn more - What is SLU-PP-332?
Retatrutide – Advanced Research Peptide
A triple-agonist peptide used to investigate:
- GLP-1 pathways
- metabolic hormone balance
- energy expenditure
Learn more - What is Retatrutide?
O-304 (ATX-304 / OS-01)
O-304 is associated with research into:
- AMPK activation
- metabolic resilience
- glucose pathway dynamics
Learn more - What is O-304?
5. Immune & Inflammation-Focused Peptides
LL-37
Studied for:
- innate immune pathways
- antimicrobial activity
- tissue barrier defense
Thymosin Alpha-1
Used for research on:
- T-cell communication
- immune regulatory pathways
6. Skin, Collagen & Extracellular Matrix Research Peptides
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Explored for:
- collagen signaling
- extracellular matrix communication
- antioxidant modeling
Palmitoyl Peptides
Used in studies related to:
- firmness pathways
- skin regeneration dynamics
- hydration signaling
7. Foundational Research Supplies: A Beginner’s Guide to Laboratory Solvents
When working with research peptides in controlled laboratory environments, proper solvents and buffers play an essential role. The following are among the most commonly used foundational supplies and appear frequently in peptide-based research studies.
Bacteriostatic Water – 20 ml - Learn more
Used in research settings for:
- maintaining sterility during sample handling
- preventing microbial growth in multi-use environments
Histidine Buffered Saline (HBS) – 20 ml - Learn more
A specialized buffer used to maintain:
- pH stability
- protein and peptide integrity
- conditions suitable for biochemical assays
Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) – 20 ml - Learn more
One of the most widely used solutions in biological research because it helps maintain:
- isotonic balance
- physiological pH levels
- stable environments for peptide work
Buffers such as PBS and HBS support consistent experimental conditions, improving the reliability of peptide research.
8. Antioxidant & Cellular Energy Research Molecules
L-Glutathione – 3000 mg
A major intracellular antioxidant studied for:
- redox balance
- detoxification pathways
- oxidative stress models
Learn more about Glutathione
NAD+ – 1000 mg per vial
A core molecule in cellular and mitochondrial energy research.
NAD+ is studied for:
- ATP production
- aging-related metabolic pathways
- mitochondrial repair signaling
Learn more: What is Nad+?
Summary Table: Different Types of Peptides and What They Do
| Category | Examples | Research Focus |
| Regeneration Peptides | SS-31, BPC-157, TB-500 | Repair, mitochondria, angiogenesis |
| Growth Signaling | CJC-1295, Ipamorelin | Endocrine pathways |
| Cognitive Peptides | Dihexa, Selank, Semax | Neuroplasticity |
| Metabolic Molecules | 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332, Retatrutide, O-304 | Energy & glucose |
| Immune Peptides | LL-37, Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immunity |
| Skin Peptides | GHK-Cu, palmitoyl peptides | Collagen, ECM |
| Research Buffers | PBS, HBS, Bacteriostatic Water | pH, isotonicity |
Conclusion
Peptide research spans hundreds of sequences and countless pathways, but understanding the main types of peptides helps beginners see the full landscape clearly.
This guide presents what the different types of peptides are, how many peptide categories exist, and what these peptides do in research environments.
Peptides like SS-31, BPC-157, Dihexa, Retatrutide, and metabolic molecules such as 5-Amino-1MQ or SLU-PP-332, continue to expand our understanding of mitochondrial function, cognition, regeneration, and more.
As peptide science grows, these research tools remain essential for mapping the body’s most sophisticated molecular systems.
How peptides work across different cellular pathways - Read more