Epithalon: Scientific Profile
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Epitalon (Epithalon/Epithalone), synthetic tetrapeptide AEDG (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly), CAS 307297-39-8. A bioregulator studied as a telomerase (TERT) activator and stimulant of pineal melatonin synthesis. For research use only (RUO).
Epitalon (also written Epithalon or Epithalone; English name Epithalon; CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with sequence Alanine-Glutamic acid-Aspartic acid-Glycine (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, abbreviated AEDG). With molecular formula C14H22N4O9 and an approximate molecular weight of 390.35 g/mol, it is a short peptide developed as a synthetic analog of epithalamin, an extract of the pineal gland, within the research line of short bioregulatory peptides.
From a structural standpoint, Epitalon is one of the smallest peptides of its class, which facilitates its synthesis and its stability in assays. Its brevity is also the basis for the hypothesis that it acts as a regulatory signal interacting with specific DNA sequences and with the gene-expression machinery, rather than as a classic membrane receptor ligand.
The studied mechanism of action of Epitalon centers on its possible role in telomerase activity and the regulation of gene expression. In cellular research models it has been described that the peptide may influence telomerase activity and telomere length, which has motivated its study as a tool in models of cellular senescence and aging. Its relationship with pineal regulation and melatonin rhythms in experimental models has also been investigated.
In research, Epitalon is used as a tool for studying telomere and telomerase biology, cellular senescence, gene regulation by short peptides, and aging models. It is a reference compound within the family of bioregulatory peptides of pineal origin.
Epitalon is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution. Frozen storage protected from light is recommended, along with reconstitution using the sterile diluent indicated in the protocol. This product is offered exclusively as a research reagent (research use only): it is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease, nor for human or veterinary consumption.
Mechanism of action
Epithalon acts mainly through three mechanisms:
Telomerase Activation:
- Induce expresión del gen hTERT (subunidad catalítica de telomerasa)
- Aumenta actividad de telomerasa hasta 2.4 veces
- Extiende telómeros en fibroblastos humanos in vitro
- Potencial reversión de senescencia replicativa
Melatonin Regulation:
- Restores pineal melatonin production
- Normalizes circadian rhythms
- Improves sleep quality
- Indirect antioxidant effects
Immune Modulation:
- Improves T-cell response
- Normalizes inflammatory cytokines
- Reduces immunosenescence
- Enhances tumor immune surveillance
Studies show: 25% lifespan extension in mice, reactivation of telomerase in human cultures, improvement of aging markers.
Mechanism summary
It is studied as an activator of telomerase (TERT), associated with the preservation of telomere length and cellular replicative capacity. It stimulates the pineal synthesis of melatonin (nocturnal secretion) and modulates the expression of circadian genes (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER).
Clinical Studies (5)
- Peptide bioregulators inhibit apoptosis (Khavinson VKh, et al. · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2000) — Study on the anti-apoptotic effects of Epithalon and its role in telomeres. PMID 11276315.
- Pineal-regulating tetrapeptide epitalon improves eye retina condition in retinitis pigmentosa. (Khavinson V, et al. · Neuro Endocrinol Lett · 2002) PMID 12195242.
- Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells (Khavinson, et al. · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2003) PMID 12937682.
- Peptide geroprotector from the pituitary gland inhibits rapid aging of elderly people: results of 15-year follow-up (Korkushko, et al. · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2011) PMID 22451889.
- Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties (Araj, et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2025) PMID 40141333.
Warnings
Epithalon is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- Limited clinical data in humans
- Active cancer
- Pregnancy
- Under 18 years of age
Technical data
- CAS
- 307297-39-8
- Molecular formula
- C14H22N4O9
- Molecular weight
- 390.35 Da
- Compound type
- peptide
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- 28 days refrigerated
- Light-sensitive
- Sí
Available for research
Epithalon is available as a research reagent (RUO) with HPLC-verified purity and COA per batch:
Frequently asked questions about Epithalon
What is Epithalon?
Epitalon (Epithalon/Epithalone), synthetic tetrapeptide AEDG (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly), CAS 307297-39-8. Bioregulator studied as an activator of telomerase (TERT) and stimulant of pineal melatonin synthesis.
What is the mechanism of action of Epithalon?
It is studied as an activator of telomerase (TERT), associated with the preservation of telomere length and cellular replicative capacity. It stimulates the pineal synthesis of melatonin (nocturnal secretion) and modulates the expression of circadian genes (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER).
What is Epithalon researched for?
In preclinical research, Epithalon is studied mainly in: Telomerase (TERT) activation; Pineal melatonin synthesis; Preservation of telomere length. Material exclusively for scientific research.
What are the chemical properties of Epithalon?
Molecular formula C14H22N4O9; molecular weight 390.35 Da; CAS number 307297-39-8.
How is Epithalon stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido; estabilidad liofilizado: 24 meses; una vez reconstituido: 28 días refrigerado; protéjase de la luz.
What routes of administration are studied for Epithalon?
In research models the following are described: Subcutaneous, Intramuscular. Use is exclusively for scientific research.