Comparison
FOXO4-DRI vs. Matrixyl
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Cosmetic
CAS no.
2074706-72-8
214047-00-4
Molecular weight
3735 g/mol
802.06 g/mol
Half-life
0.5 h
no data
Sequence
D-Retro-Inverso-Variante eines FOXO4-Peptid-Fragments (LTLRKEPASEIAQSILEAYSQNGWANRRSGGKR — D-Aminosäuren in umgekehrter Sequenz)Palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-SerMechanism of action
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is the D-retro-inverso variant of a peptide fragment of the FOXO4 transcription factor. In senescent cells, FOXO4 is bound to p53, which suppresses p53-mediated apoptosis — the cells survive in a secreting 'zombie-like' state (senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP). The DRI peptide disrupts this FOXO4-p53 binding, freeing p53, and the senescent cell initiates apoptosis. Healthy cells are largely unaffected because p53 is not held back by FOXO4 in them. This selectivity was the central finding of the original 2017 publication.
Matrixyl
KTTKS is a fragment of the procollagen I sequence and appears to be part of a feedback mechanism in fibroblasts: elevated concentrations signal intact collagen synthesis and downregulate new synthesis, while low concentrations stimulate it. In cell-culture studies, stimulation of collagen types I/III, elastin, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans has been documented. The palmitoyl modification is intended to improve skin penetration; effect at the site of action (dermal fibroblasts) depends on permeation.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Animal model
Human RCT
Studies
3
5
of which in humans
0
2
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
1
1