Epitalon 1mg (60 capsules) (Telomere Length)
$140.00
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from Epithalamin and widely studied in gerontology and genomic regulation research. It is best known for its reported ability to modulate telomerase activity, the enzyme involved in maintaining telomere integrity at the ends of chromosomes. In vitro studies in human somatic cells suggest Epithalon may increase telomerase activity and support telomere elongation, mechanisms associated with cellular longevity and reduced age-related genomic instability.
Beyond telomere biology, research indicates Epithalon may influence gene expression and circadian signaling pathways, including those tied to melatonin synthesis and immune regulation. These combined properties have made Epithalon a prominent research compound in models of aging, oxidative stress, and age-associated functional decline. Epithalon is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research use and is not intended for human or animal application.
References:
Khavinson VK et al., Bull Exp Biol Med, 2003 135(4):429–432
Arutyunyan AV et al., Adv Gerontol, 2005 15(3):28–36
Anisimov VN et al., Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 2003 24(3–4):233–240
These capsules are provided exclusively as inert containers for the dry transport, storage, and handling of laboratory research materials. They are not dosage forms and are not intended for ingestion or administration. They must not be used as drug delivery systems, consumed, or administered in any form. For Research Use Only: Not for use in humans or animals. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Overview
Epithalon, also known as Epitalon, is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from studies of pineal gland peptide fractions. Structurally identified as Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, it is classified as a short regulatory peptide investigated for its interaction with telomerase and gene transcription processes. Most research has focused on its role in cellular aging models, chromosomal end protection, circadian signaling pathways, and immune-related gene expression.
In experimental systems, telomeres serve as protective DNA-protein structures located at the ends of chromosomes. Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length during cell replication. Because telomere shortening is associated with replicative senescence in laboratory models, compounds that influence telomerase activity are commonly studied in aging and genomic stability research. Epithalon has also been examined for its interaction with promoter regions of specific genes involved in immune signaling, extracellular matrix regulation, and circadian rhythm proteins. These biological contexts form the foundation for ongoing mechanistic investigations under controlled laboratory conditions.
Biochemical Characteristics
Source: PubChem
Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Molecular Formula: C14H22N4O9
Molecular Weight: 390.349 g/mol
PubChem CID: 219042
CAS Number: 307297-39-8
Research Applications
Epithalon has been evaluated in both in vitro cell culture systems and animal models. In cell-based studies, researchers commonly measure telomerase activity, telomere length dynamics, gene promoter interactions, cytokine expression levels, and markers of cellular senescence. Endpoints often include changes in CD5, IL-2, MMP2, interferon gamma expression, caspase-3 activity, and transcription-related proteins such as AANAT and pCREB. Observed effects are typically analyzed relative to untreated control groups to determine statistically significant differences under laboratory conditions.
In animal research, Epithalon has been examined in aging models and tumor development studies, where investigators measure lifespan metrics, tumor incidence, tumor growth rate, and gene expression patterns compared to controls. Additional experimental work has evaluated circadian-related proteins such as PER1 and melatonin-associated regulatory pathways within controlled environments. Reported findings describe demonstrated changes relative to controls in parameters related to telomerase activity, gene transcription, immune signaling markers, and cellular proliferation metrics. These observations are confined to preclinical and laboratory research settings and are not indicative of clinical outcomes.
Pathway / Mechanistic Context
Mechanistic work in the cited literature places epithalon within several experimentally tractable molecular contexts. Cell-based studies describe telomerase-associated activity and telomere-length endpoints following exposure to the tetrapeptide, supporting its use as a tool compound in telomere maintenance research [2].
Additional studies describe short peptide interactions with gene promoter sites (e.g., CD5, IL-2, MMP2, Tram1) as a model framework for evaluating peptide-mediated transcriptional modulation in cell culture systems [5]. In these models, endpoints commonly include promoter interaction assays, transcriptional output (mRNA/protein), and pathway-level markers linked to the targeted loci.
In circadian-associated research contexts, the literature also describes transcriptional targets related to pineal-linked signaling cascades, including arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and pCREB-associated transcriptional signaling, which are evaluated in rhythmic gene regulation paradigms [15].
The following are reported DNA / transcriptional targets or molecular endpoints associated with epithalon in the cited literature:
- CD5 – promoter-target modeling for immune-cell lineage signaling studies
- IL-2 – promoter-target modeling for cytokine-associated transcriptional studies
- MMP2 – extracellular matrix remodeling pathway target used in fibroblast/ECM research models
- Tram1 – protein biogenesis/translocation-associated target used in transcriptional modeling
- Arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase – pineal/circadian-associated transcriptional target
- pCREB t – transcriptional signaling node used in circadian-associated research models
- Telomerase – enzyme activity endpoint used in telomere biology and genome stability studies
Preclinical Research Summary
1. Telomere-Associated Enzymology and Genome Integrity Readouts
Preclinical investigations include insect and rodent studies evaluating survival curves and biomarker panels under defined experimental conditions [1]. Additional rodent work reports age-associated biomarker panels and tumor-incidence endpoints as measured outcomes in specified strains and study designs [4]. Separate cell-based studies describe telomerase-associated activity and telomere-length metrics as experimental readouts [2].
2. Promoter-Interaction Modeling and Gene-Expression Endpoints
Cell culture studies have described short peptide interactions with promoter regions of selected genes as an experimental framework for transcriptional modulation and gene-expression profiling [5]. Additional rodent work reports interferon-gamma expression as a measured molecular endpoint in aging lymphocyte models under controlled experimental conditions [6].
3. Fibroblast Function and Extracellular Matrix Pathway Biomarkers
The cited literature includes rodent and in vitro studies evaluating fibroblast functional state and extracellular matrix-associated endpoints, including MMP2-linked readouts and apoptosis-pathway markers such as caspase-3 activity in cultured fibroblast systems [7] [8].
4. Tumor-Model Endpoints in Rodent and Transgenic Systems
Multiple studies evaluate tumor-associated endpoints in rodent and transgenic models under defined illumination regimes or genetic backgrounds, including tumor development metrics and metastasis-related observations as experimental outcomes [9] [10] [11] [12] [13].
Slowed tumor growth in mice exposed to epithalon compared to controls
Source: Wiley Online Library
Mechanistic literature also evaluates circadian gene regulation in oncology-related cell systems, including PER1-associated signaling as a node linked to cell-cycle control and DNA damage response pathways in experimental models [14].
PER1 Causes Increased Rates of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Cell Death
Source: Molecular Cell
5. Pineal-Linked Transcriptional Targets and Rhythmic Signaling Readouts
Studies describe regulatory peptide effects on gene transcription, including attention to AANAT and pCREB-associated signaling as targets evaluated in rhythmic gene-expression paradigms [15]. The referenced literature also includes investigations in non-human primates evaluating daily secretion rhythm profiles as measured endpoints under specified study designs [16].
6. Retinal Model Endpoints
The referenced literature includes rodent retinal degeneration models evaluating retina structural condition and electrophysiologic function as experimental endpoints under controlled conditions [17].
Form & Analytical Testing
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) supplied as a research material for controlled laboratory workflows. For experimental planning and materials qualification, laboratories commonly verify peptide identity and assess analytical attributes using characterization approaches appropriate for peptide materials, in alignment with internal method requirements and study protocols.
Researchers may reference the registry identifiers and structural information in the Biochemical Characteristics section (sequence, molecular formula, molecular weight, PubChem CID, and CAS number) when preparing internal documentation.
Article Author
The above literature was researched, edited and organized by Dr. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan holds a doctorate degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.
Scientific Journal Article
Vladimir Khavinson is a Professor, President of the European region of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics; Member of the Russian and Ukrainian Academies of Medical Sciences; Main gerontologist of the Health Committee of the Government of Saint Petersburg, Russia; Director of the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology; Vice-president of Gerontological Society of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Head of the Chair of Gerontology and Geriatrics of the North-Western State Medical University, St-Petersburg; Colonel of medical service (USSR, Russia), retired. Vladimir Khavinson is known for the discovery, experimental and clinical studies of new classes of peptide bioregulators as well as for the development of bioregulating peptide therapy. He is engaged in studying of the role of peptides in regulation of the mechanisms of ageing. His main field of actions is design, pre-clinical and clinical studies of new peptide geroprotectors. A 40-year-long investigation resulted in a multitude of methods of application of peptide bioregulators to slow down the process of ageing and increase human life span. Six peptide-based pharmaceuticals and 64 peptide food supplements have been introduced into clinical practice by V. Khavinson. He is an author of 196 patents (Russian and international) as well as of 775 scientific publications. His major achievements are presented in two books: “Peptides and Ageing” (NEL, 2002) and “Gerontological aspects of genome peptide regulation” (Karger AG, 2005). Vladimir Khavinson introduced scientific specialty “Gerontology and Geriatrics” in the Russian Federation on the governmental level. Academic Council headed by V. Khavinson has oversighted over 200 Ph.D. and Doctorate theses from many different countries.
Prof. Vladimir Khavinson is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of Epitalon. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide Sciences and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide. Prof. Vladimir Khavinson is listed in [1] [2] [5] [6] [7] [9] [12] [13] [15] and [17] under the referenced citations.
Referenced Citations
- V. N. Anisimov, S. V. Mylnikov, and V. K. Khavinson, “Pineal peptide preparation epithalamin increases the lifespan of fruit flies, mice and rats,” Mech. Ageing Dev., vol. 103, no. 2, pp. 123–132, Jun. 1998. [PubMed]
- V. K. Khavinson, I. E. Bondarev, and A. A. Butyugov, “Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 135, no. 6, pp. 590–592, Jun. 2003. [PubMed]
- T. A. Dzhokhadze, T. Z. Buadze, M. N. Gaiozishvili, M. A. Rogava, and T. A. Lazhava, “[Functional regulation of genome with peptide bioregulators by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (by patients and relatives)],” Georgian Med. News, no. 225, pp. 94–97, Dec. 2013. [PubMed]
- V. N. Anisimov et al., “Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice,” Biogerontology, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 193–202, 2003. [PubMed]
- V. K. Khavinson, S. I. Tarnovskaya, N. S. Linkova, V. E. Pronyaeva, L. K. Shataeva, and P. P. Yakutseni, “Short cell-penetrating peptides: a model of interactions with gene promoter sites,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 154, no. 3, pp. 403–410, Jan. 2013. [PubMed]
- N. S. Lin’kova, B. I. Kuznik, and V. K. Khavinson, “[Peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and interferon gamma: their role in immune response during aging],” Adv. Gerontol. Uspekhi Gerontol., vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 478–482, 2012. [PubMed]
- N. I. Chalisova, N. S. Lin’kova, A. N. Zhekalov, A. O. Orlova, G. A. Ryzhak, and V. K. Khavinson, “[Short peptides stimulate skin cell regeneration during ageing],” Adv. Gerontol. Uspekhi Gerontol., vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 699–703, 2014. [PubMed]
- N. S. Lin’kova et al., “Peptide Regulation of Skin Fibroblast Functions during Their Aging In Vitro,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 161, no. 1, pp. 175–178, May 2016. [PubMed]
- I. A. Vinogradova, A. V. Bukalev, M. A. Zabezhinski, A. V. Semenchenko, V. K. Khavinson, and V. N. Anisimov, “Effect of Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptide on life span and development of spontaneous tumors in female rats exposed to different illumination regimes,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 144, no. 6, pp. 825–830, Dec. 2007. [PubMed]
- G. Kossoy, V. N. Anisimov, H. Ben-Hur, N. Kossoy, and I. Zusman, “Effect of the synthetic pineal peptide epitalon on spontaneous carcinogenesis in female C3H/He mice,” Vivo Athens Greece, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 253–257, Apr. 2006. [PubMed]
- V. N. Anisimov et al., “Inhibitory effect of the peptide epitalon on the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu transgenic mice,” Int. J. Cancer, vol. 101, no. 1, pp. 7–10, 2002. [PubMed]
- V. N. Anisimov, V. K. Khavinson, I. N. Alimova, A. V. Semchenko, and A. I. Yashin, “Epithalon decelerates aging and suppresses development of breast adenocarcinomas in transgenic her-2/neu mice,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 134, no. 2, pp. 187–190, Aug. 2002. [PubMed]
- I. A. Vinogradova, A. V. Bukalev, M. A. Zabezhinski, A. V. Semenchenko, V. K. Khavinson, and V. N. Anisimov, “Geroprotective effect of ala-glu-asp-gly peptide in male rats exposed to different illumination regimens,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 145, no. 4, pp. 472–477, Apr. 2008. [PubMed]
- S. Gery, N. Komatsu, L. Baldjyan, A. Yu, D. Koo, and H. P. Koeffler, “The circadian gene per1 plays an important role in cell growth and DNA damage control in human cancer cells,” Mol. Cell, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 375–382, May 2006. [PubMed]
- V. K. Khavinson, L. K. Shataeva, and A. A. Chernova, “Effect of regulatory peptides on gene transcription,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 136, no. 3, pp. 288–290, Sep. 2003. [PubMed]
- O. V. Korkushko et al., “[Normalizing effect of the pineal gland peptides on the daily melatonin rhythm in old monkeys and elderly people],” Adv. Gerontol. Uspekhi Gerontol., vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 74–85, 2007. [PubMed]
- V. Khavinson, M. Razumovsky, S. Trofimova, R. Grigorian, and A. Razumovskaya, “Pineal-regulating tetrapeptide epitalon improves eye retina condition in retinitis pigmentosa,” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 365–368, Aug. 2002. [PubMed]
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The products offered on this website are furnished for in-vitro studies only. In-vitro studies (Latin: in glass) are performed outside of the body. These products are not medicines or drugs and have not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat, or cure any disease or condition. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law.
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