P21
also known as P21 (Adamantane), CNTF peptide mimetic
Synthetic ~21-amino-acid peptide derived from ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Activates CNTFR/LIFR/gp130 heterotrimeric receptor complex on neural stem cells to promote neurogenesis, stem cell self-renewal, and neuroregeneration. Animal models demonstrate effects in olfactory epithelium regeneration, CDKL5 deficiency disorder, and hippocampal neurogenesis. No clinical trial data in humans.
At a glance
SQ · Site unspecified · Frequency unknown
Primary target — CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFRα) / LIF receptor (LIFR) / gp130 complex on neural stem cells.
Pathway — CNTF mimetic → CNTFRα/LIFR/gp130 heterotrimer → JAK/STAT3 signaling → neurogenesis, stem cell proliferation, neuroprotection.
Downstream effect — Increased neural stem cell self-renewal, globose basal cell activation (Mash1+ cells), olfactory sensory neuron regeneration, hippocampal neurogenesis, neuroprotection in developmental disorders.
Origin — Small-molecule peptide mimetic derived from full-length ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), designed to retain receptor activation with improved pharmacokinetics [mottolese-2024].
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Human dosing | No established protocolNo clinical trial data available. |
| Animal models (mice) | Dose and route not specified in abstracts [mottolese-2024][jia-2020]In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate efficacy; precise dosing protocols not disclosed. |
| Evidence basis | Animal models onlyCDKL5 KO mice, methimazole-induced olfactory injury, CNTF-/- knockout models. [mottolese-2024][cox-2026][jia-2020] |
| Duration | Not specified |
| Route | Presumed subcutaneous or intraperitoneal (animal studies) |
Reconstitution
A pure mass-to-volume utility. Enter what you have in the vial; the atlas computes the volume per dose. No prescription information.
- — Use in humans not validated
- — Active malignancy (theoretical — neurotrophic signaling may affect tumour growth)
- — Pregnancy or lactation (no safety data)
- 01Human protocol
Not established. No FDA approval, no clinical trial data.
- 02Animal research context
In vivo studies used systemic administration (route not specified in abstracts) in mouse models of neurodegeneration, olfactory injury, and CDKL5 deficiency disorder. In vitro studies used primary cell cultures.
Sources
of 36 rendered claims carry a resolvable citation.
- [cox-2026]Cox 2026 — FAK inhibition following acute olfactory epithelial inflammation promotes neurogenesis and functional recovery through stem cell CNTF.
journal, 2026 - [guo-2022]Guo 2022 — The Roles of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor - from Neuronutrition to Energy Metabolism.
journal, 2022 - [jia-2020]Jia 2020 — Inhibition of focal adhesion kinase increases adult olfactory stem cell self-renewal and neuroregeneration through ciliary neurotrophic factor.
journal, 2020 - [mottolese-2024]Mottolese 2024 — Effects of a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small-molecule peptide mimetic in an in vitro and in vivo model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder.
journal, 2024