Description
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix-B surface domain of erythropoietin (EPO). Michael Brines and Anthony Cerami engineered it to isolate EPO’s tissue-protective signaling from its hematopoietic activity. Native EPO activates two structurally distinct receptor systems: the classical homodimeric EPOR complex that drives red blood cell production, and a heterodimeric complex composed of EPOR and the beta-common receptor CD131, named the innate repair receptor (IRR), that mediates cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory signaling. ARA-290 selectively engages the IRR without activating the classical EPOR homodimer, triggering JAK2/STAT5 and PI3K/Akt downstream signaling cascades in non-hematopoietic tissue and immune cell populations. It is studied as a specialty research peptide molecular probe for IRR-mediated signaling in controlled laboratory models.
Chemical Information
- Chemical Name: ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
- Sequence: pyroglutamate-Glu-Glu-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser
- Also Known As: Cibinetide; helix-B surface peptide (HBSP)
- Compound Class: Synthetic EPO-derived 11-amino acid peptide
- Molecular Weight: 1,257 Da
- Origin: Derived from helix-B surface domain of erythropoietin
- Production: Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS)
Applications
- IRR receptor pharmacology: selective EPOR/CD131 heterodimer engagement studies in non-hematopoietic cell models; ARA-290 provides a defined molecular tool for studying IRR-mediated signaling independently of classical EPOR homodimer activation
- JAK2/STAT5 and PI3K/Akt pathway research in tissue-protective signaling contexts: IRR activation drives both cascades simultaneously, making ARA-290 useful in studies examining how these pathways interact in cytoprotective signaling
- EPO receptor biology: comparative studies examining how EPOR homodimer versus EPOR/CD131 heterodimer engagement produces different downstream signaling outcomes
- Immune cell signaling research: IRR is expressed on macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells alongside its expression in neural and renal tissue. ARA-290 is studied in immune cell models where CD131-associated signaling is the research variable
- Non-hematopoietic EPO signaling models: researchers studying EPO biology outside red blood cell production use ARA-290 to probe the tissue-protective arm of EPO receptor pharmacology without introducing erythropoietic confounds
Storage and Handling
Store as lyophilized powder under refrigeration at 2-8C for routine storage, or at -20C for long-term stability. Protect from heat, moisture, and direct light. Reconstitute immediately before use and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve peptide integrity and IRR binding activity across experimental batches.
Compliance Notice
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use. No approved therapeutic indication exists for this compound. Araim Pharmaceuticals, the original developer, has closed, so the product has no active IND. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms it will use it exclusively for controlled in vitro research following appropriate institutional safety procedures.
