FOXO4-DRI: what is a D-retro-inverso peptide?
FOXO4-DRI is a peptide made entirely of D-amino acids and assembled in reverse order (D-retro-inverso) from a FOXO4 sequence that interacts with p53, joined to a cell-penetrating segment. It was described in a 2017 Cell paper on senescent cells. PubChem lists it at about 5358 g/mol.
What does D-retro-inverso mean?
Swapping L- for D-amino acids and reversing the sequence gives side chains roughly the same spatial arrangement as the parent L-peptide, but with the backbone amides reversed. Proteases that recognise L-peptides largely fail to cleave it. Reviews survey where this approach has worked and where it has not.
Source: Recent Applications of Retro-Inverso Peptides, Int J Mol Sci 2021 (PubMed 34445382); D-Peptides as Recognition Molecules and Therapeutic Agents, Chem Rec 2016 (PubMed 27255896); Recent developments in retro peptides and proteins--an ongoing topochemical exploration, Trends Biotechnol 1995 (PubMed 7546569)
What was the original FOXO4-DRI study?
Baar and colleagues (Cell, 2017) designed FOXO4-DRI to interfere with the FOXO4–p53 interaction in senescent cells and reported its effects in cell and mouse models. A 2025 study looked at endothelial senescence through the p53 pathway.
Source: Targeted Apoptosis of Senescent Cells Restores Tissue Homeostasis in Response to Chemotoxicity and Aging, Cell 2017 (PubMed 28340339); FOXO4-DRI regulates endothelial cell senescence via the P53 signaling pathway, Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2025 (PubMed 41625068)
What are its identity data?
- Formula (PubChem): C228H388N86O64
- MW (PubChem): 5358.0 g/mol
- Chirality: all residues D (PubChem IUPAC name gives (2R) centres)
- Character: highly cationic (Arg/Lys-rich)
Source: PubChem CID 167312269: FOXO4-DRI
What does D-chirality mean for testing?
Standard HPLC and MS cannot tell a D-peptide from its L-enantiomer: the mass is identical. Confirming chirality needs chiral amino-acid analysis after hydrolysis. Most research CoAs report identity and purity only.
Sourcing note
Sable lists FOXO4-DRI: 10 mg at £49.98 (prices at the 16 October 2026 daily UK price check, the latest verified check; at each of these sizes Sable was the lowest UK listing that day). Lowest UK price guaranteed, confirmed by daily price checks.
Every lot has a certificate of analysis, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches it. Supplied for laboratory research use only.
Frequently asked questions
Can mass spectrometry confirm a peptide is D-retro-inverso?
No. Enantiomers and retro sequences have the same mass. Chirality needs chiral amino-acid analysis.
Why use D-amino acids?
Proteases are stereoselective, so D-peptides resist enzymatic breakdown.
What is the molecular weight of FOXO4-DRI?
About 5358 g/mol (PubChem CID 167312269).
Related
- Which research peptides contain D-amino acids, and why
- FOXO4-DRI research vials
- Dihexa and P21 peptidomimetics
- FOXO4-DRI price at the latest check
Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.
Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)
- FOXO4-DRI CID 167312269
- Original paper: Cell 2017 (PubMed 28340339)
- PubMed references (verified via NCBI): 34445382, 27255896, 7546569, 28340339, 41625068
- PubChem CIDs: 167312269
- Research use only; no administration amounts or health claims
- Updated 2026-10-16