Apelin-13
Also known as: apelin 13, APLNR ligand, apelin peptide
Apelin-13 is a 13-amino-acid fragment derived from the apelin precursor's C-terminal end. It is recognized as the major isoform in the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Apelin-13 activates the apelin receptor (APLNR/APJ) and is explored in blood-vessel, brain, and metabolic research.
Quick Reference
Apelin-13 - Research Images
PSO vial render · Scientific images from Wikipedia · Tap to enlarge
Mechanism of Action
Apelin-13 interacts with the apelin receptor (APLNR/APJ), facilitating Gi protein signaling and beta-arrestin recruitment. This balanced signaling is characteristic of the apelin family. Research has tracked its involvement in oxidative stress pathways, including the Keap1/Nrf2 system studied in blood-brain barrier models, and in immune responses like macrophage polarization in spinal cord injuries.
Research History
The interest in apelin-13 followed the identification of apelin as the ligand for the APJ receptor in 1998. As various apelin fragments were characterized, apelin-13 received significant attention due to its prevalence in the central nervous system and cardiovascular system and its potent receptor activity. The 2020s have seen extensive animal research utilizing apelin-13 in studies of brain injury, spinal cord injury, and metabolic disease.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Apelin-13 (also known as apelin 13, APLNR ligand) is studied within the peptide research community. Endogenous ligand of the APJ receptor studied for cardiovascular, metabolic, and CNS effects.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: emerging. Apelin-13 appears across peptide research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the other category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
What Do You Think of This Peptide?
Share your opinion or research experience with Apelin-13. Comments are reviewed before appearing.