Conformation propensities of des-acyl-ghrelin as probed by CD and NMR

► First structural analysis of des-acyl ghrelin in HFA-water solutions. ► CD, CSI and temperature coefficients support the occurrence of structured elements. ► NMR 3D structure shows a stable α-helix between Pro-7 and Gln-14. ► Des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin show similar α-helical structural features. ► Des-acyl ghrelin and obestatin may interact with the same competent receptor.