Hexapeptide-12

Hexapeptide-12 is a hexapeptide with the sequence VGVAPG, which is derived from a sequence found in the connective tissue protein elastin. At low concentrations it can stimulate biosynthesis of elastin and also inhibits production of the inflammatory signalling protein interleukin-6, which gives it an additional antiinflammatory effect. However, at higher concentrations VGVAPG upregulates Sirtuin 2 expression which has a pro-aging and neurodegenerative effect, and progressive build-up of VGVAPG levels from degradation of elastin is thought to be an important contributor to the aging process, so VGVAPG is mainly used in research applications into the pro-aging effects of some matrikine peptides, rather than being used as an ingredient in skincare products as with other related compounds.