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Peptides 101

What are the main types of peptides?

There are thousands of peptides, but they sort neatly into a handful of families based on what they do. Here is a tour of the main categories and where research peptides fit in.

5 min read Reviewed for accuracy Research Use Only
The short answer

Peptides are usually grouped by function. The main families are hormonal peptides, neuropeptides, structural peptides, carrier (copper) peptides, and antimicrobial peptides. In the research market, peptides are also grouped by the pathway or system they interact with.

Grouped by function

TypeWhat it doesExample
HormonalRegulates a body process as a signalInsulin, glucagon
NeuropeptideSignals within the nervous systemEndorphins
StructuralFragments tied to tissue and structureCollagen peptides
Carrier / copperBinds and carries other moleculesGHK-Cu
AntimicrobialPart of natural defense systemsDefensins

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How research peptides are grouped

Catalogs of research peptides tend to organize compounds by the area of study they relate to, for example metabolic research, recovery and repair research, or cosmetic and skin research. This is why you will see a peptide like GHK-Cu described as a copper peptide, while others are grouped by the pathway they act on. You can see these groupings across the Axis catalog.

GHK-Cu copper peptide vial from Axis Peptide Labs
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied in skin and collagen research. See the catalog →

Key takeaways

  • Peptides are commonly grouped by function.
  • Main families: hormonal, neuropeptide, structural, carrier/copper, antimicrobial.
  • Research peptides are often grouped by the pathway or system they act on.
  • The same peptide can be described more than one way depending on context.

A note on research use

The peptides supplied by Axis Peptide Labs are reference compounds for laboratory and research use only. They are intended for qualified researchers working in academic, institutional, and analytical settings. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical products, and they are not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Documented identity and documented purity are what matter most when sourcing a compound, both of which are published on the Axis certificates of analysis page.

Every compound is tested. Every certificate is public.

Browse the Axis Peptide Labs catalog of third-party tested research peptides, each with a published certificate of analysis.

Axis Peptide Labs supplies reference compounds for laboratory, academic, and institutional research only. All products are for research and identification purposes only. They are not for human or veterinary use, and are not a food, cosmetic, drug, or medical product. This article is educational and does not constitute medical, health, or usage advice.

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