Mechanisms
of Action

Activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor to enhance insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and suppress appetite. The primary mechanism behind semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other incretin-based therapies.

22 peptides linked

Activation of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor, enhancing insulin response and metabolic signaling. Dual GLP-1/GIP agonism (tirzepatide) shows superior efficacy over GLP-1 alone.

3 peptides linked

Activation of the glucagon receptor to increase energy expenditure and hepatic glucose output. Triple agonists (retatrutide) combine glucagon activation with GLP-1/GIP for enhanced metabolic effects.

5 peptides linked

Stimulation of growth hormone release via the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor on pituitary somatotrophs. Sermorelin, tesamorelin, and CJC-1295 are synthetic GHRH analogues.

8 peptides linked

Activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (ghrelin receptor) to stimulate pituitary GH release, appetite, and reward signaling. Used by ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and MK-677.

11 peptides linked

Modulation of MC1R–MC5R receptors involved in skin pigmentation (MC1R), sexual function (MC3R/MC4R), appetite regulation (MC4R), and inflammation (MC3R). Melanotan and bremelanotide use this pathway.

8 peptides linked

Suppression of the NF-κB transcription factor complex that drives inflammatory gene expression. Several peptides (KPV, BPC-157, Thymosin Alpha-1) reduce inflammation through this pathway.

6 peptides linked

Promotion of new blood vessel formation through upregulation of VEGF, VEGFR2, and related growth factors. Central to the tissue repair effects of BPC-157 and other healing peptides.

41 peptides linked

Activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to produce NO, promoting vasodilation, blood flow, and tissue healing. The Src-caveolin-1-Akt-eNOS axis is a key target.

21 peptides linked

Activation of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK cascade to transmit growth signals from cell surface receptors to the nucleus, promoting cell division, differentiation, and tissue repair.

13 peptides linked

Central intracellular signaling cascade regulating cell growth, protein synthesis, metabolism, and survival. Activated by IGF-1, insulin, and many anabolic peptides.

37 peptides linked

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, the cellular energy sensor that promotes glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and autophagy.

5 peptides linked

Increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, supporting neuron survival, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Key mechanism for nootropic peptides like Semax and Selank.

12 peptides linked

Stimulation of telomerase enzyme activity to maintain telomere length in dividing cells, potentially slowing cellular aging. Epithalon is the primary peptide studied for this mechanism.

2 peptides linked

Stimulation of fibroblast collagen production, extracellular matrix remodeling, and connective tissue regeneration. GHK-Cu and cosmetic peptides work primarily through this pathway.

28 peptides linked

Support of thymus gland function, T-cell maturation, and adaptive immune competence. Thymosin alpha-1, thymulin, and thymalin modulate thymic output.

11 peptides linked

Interaction with mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors to modulate pain perception, mood, and stress responses without the addiction profile of classical opioids.

10 peptides linked