FZ1 peptide is a cyclic heptapeptide and also an integrin αvβ3 agonist. FZ1 peptide activates the FAK / PI3K - AKT / ERK pathway and upregulates VEGFC to promote angiogenesis. FZ1 peptide exhibits antibacterial activity in extracts of HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel; it inhibits LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine secretion in RAW264.7 macrophages; it reduces H 2 O 2 -induced ROS levels; it increases the healing rate of scratch wounds. FZ1 peptide can be used in studies related to diabetic skin wounds [1] [2].
In Vivo, FZ1 peptide (topical) significantly accelerates wound closure in infected diabetic C57BL/6 mice, achieving 92.01% closure by day 21 alongside improved re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition[1].
In Vitro, FZ1 peptide (10 nM) shows the highest drug loading content (12.26%) and drug loading efficiency (83.12%) among all tested formulations when incorporated into the 4% (w/v) HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel[1]. FZ1 peptide (2-4% (w/v)) is released from HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel in a pH-dependent manner, with an accelerated release rate under acidic conditions matching the early inflammatory phase of diabetic wounds, which supports pathologically coupled peptide delivery[1]. FZ1 peptide (2-4% (w/v); 24 h) shows no cytotoxicity to HaCaT keratinocytes, HSFs, RAW264.7 macrophages and HUVECs in HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel extracts, and the 4% formulation significantly promotes cell proliferation[1]. FZ1 peptide (4% (w/v)) activates the pro-angiogenic signaling pathways of ERK, AKT, and FAK in HUVECs within HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel extracts[1]. FZ1 peptide (2-4% (w/v)) exhibits antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli in extracts of HA-c-FZ1 hydrogels; it inhibits LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner; it reduces intracellular ROS levels in H2O2-treated HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner; and it promotes migration of HaCaT keratinocytes and increases the healing rate of scratch wounds[1].
References:
[1]. Fu Z, et al. Multifunctional pH-responsive HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel presents a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic skin wounds. Burns & Trauma, 2026, tkog046.
[2]. Wang L, et al. Cyclic Heptapeptide FZ1 Acts as an Integrin αvβ3 Agonist to Facilitate Diabetic Skin Wound Healing by Enhancing Angiogenesis. Journal of medicinal chemistry. 2025 Sep 25;68(18):19503-19520.
In Vivo, FZ1 peptide (topical) significantly accelerates wound closure in infected diabetic C57BL/6 mice, achieving 92.01% closure by day 21 alongside improved re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition[1].
In Vitro, FZ1 peptide (10 nM) shows the highest drug loading content (12.26%) and drug loading efficiency (83.12%) among all tested formulations when incorporated into the 4% (w/v) HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel[1]. FZ1 peptide (2-4% (w/v)) is released from HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel in a pH-dependent manner, with an accelerated release rate under acidic conditions matching the early inflammatory phase of diabetic wounds, which supports pathologically coupled peptide delivery[1]. FZ1 peptide (2-4% (w/v); 24 h) shows no cytotoxicity to HaCaT keratinocytes, HSFs, RAW264.7 macrophages and HUVECs in HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel extracts, and the 4% formulation significantly promotes cell proliferation[1]. FZ1 peptide (4% (w/v)) activates the pro-angiogenic signaling pathways of ERK, AKT, and FAK in HUVECs within HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel extracts[1]. FZ1 peptide (2-4% (w/v)) exhibits antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli in extracts of HA-c-FZ1 hydrogels; it inhibits LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner; it reduces intracellular ROS levels in H2O2-treated HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner; and it promotes migration of HaCaT keratinocytes and increases the healing rate of scratch wounds[1].
References:
[1]. Fu Z, et al. Multifunctional pH-responsive HA-c-FZ1 hydrogel presents a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic skin wounds. Burns & Trauma, 2026, tkog046.
[2]. Wang L, et al. Cyclic Heptapeptide FZ1 Acts as an Integrin αvβ3 Agonist to Facilitate Diabetic Skin Wound Healing by Enhancing Angiogenesis. Journal of medicinal chemistry. 2025 Sep 25;68(18):19503-19520.