Overview

Ac-SDKP (N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline) is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide released from thymosin beta-4 by prolyl oligopeptidase and ACE2 cleavage. It is a powerful regulator of hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, inhibiting entry of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells into the S-phase of the cell cycle—protecting them from cycle-dependent cytotoxic damage during chemotherapy. Ac-SDKP also exerts significant antifibrotic effects in the heart, kidneys, and lungs, and is hydrolyzed by ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), explaining why ACE inhibitors elevate plasma Ac-SDKP levels.

Mechanism of Action

Ac-SDKP acts through multiple mechanisms: (1) Hematopoietic stem cell cycle arrest—inhibits G0-S transition via BMP4/SMAD pathway suppression, protecting stem cells from S-phase cytotoxic chemotherapy; (2) Antifibrotic—suppresses TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis in cardiac and renal fibroblasts; (3) Anti-inflammatory—reduces macrophage activation and TNF-α/IL-6 production; (4) Angiogenic—promotes endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Its ACE-mediated hydrolysis links it to the renin-angiotensin system.

Potential Benefits

  • Bone marrow stem cell protection during chemotherapy
  • Cardiac and renal antifibrotic activity
  • Anti-inflammatory via macrophage and cytokine modulation
  • Elevates naturally with ACE inhibitor use
  • Potential in heart failure, kidney disease, and lung fibrosis

Dosage Protocols

The following reflects doses used in published research studies. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.

BeginnerNot a consumer peptide — research only
IntermediateN/A
AdvancedN/A
Cycle DurationPreclinical cardiac/fibrosis models: weeks

Ac-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro tetrapeptide. Endogenous hematopoiesis and antifibrotic regulator — released from Thymosin Beta-4.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous or IV (research) High but very short half-life

Rapidly degraded by ACE — often studied with ACE inhibitor co-administration.

Stacking Protocols

Popular research stacks involving Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (Ac-SDKP):

Research Context Only

Research-only peptide. Not an established consumer protocol.

Reconstitution

StorageRefrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Typical vial sizes: 1-5 mg (research). Add bac water slowly down the side of the vial, swirl gently — do not shake. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.

Need exact syringe measurements?

Amino Acid Sequence

Ac-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro

Side Effects & Safety

  • Well-tolerated in clinical studies
  • Potential excess stem cell cycle suppression at very high doses

Safety & Contraindications

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide.

Relative

Pregnancy / Lactation

Relative

Bleeding Disorders

Absolute

Active Skin Infection at Injection Site

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life~4-5 minutes (degraded by ACE)
StorageStore lyophilized peptide at -20°C (long-term) or 2-8°C (short-term, under 30 days). Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 28-30 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.

Synergistic Compounds

The following compounds have been studied alongside Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (Ac-SDKP) for potential complementary or synergistic effects:

ACE inhibitorsTB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)G-CSF

Learn More

References & Further Reading