Cartalax

Cartalax exerts its biological effects through direct DNA interaction, binding to the minor groove of DNA and potentially influencing gene expression patterns tied to cellular senescence. It modulates key cellular pathways by stimulating the proliferation of stem and progenitor cells, enhancing markers of cell proliferation such as Ki-67 and CD98hc, and reducing apoptosis through suppression of caspase-3 activity. The peptide inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade cartilage, while simultaneously curbing inflammatory signaling molecules. It also demonstrates antioxidant properties and normalizes extracellular matrix homeostasis.

• Cartilage and Connective Tissue Research: Investigated for its ability to modulate chondrocyte signaling, extracellular matrix synthesis, and cartilage metabolism.
• Tissue Regeneration and Repair: Employed in experimental models exploring scaffold-based cartilage reconstruction and the optimization of bioengineered tissues.
• Aging and Geroprotective Studies: Studied for its anti-aging effects on skin fibroblasts, including inhibition of MMP-9 and enhancement of cell proliferation markers.
• Signal Transduction and Molecular Biology: Utilized as a model ligand in receptor binding assays and downstream signaling studies to elucidate peptide-mediated signal transduction within connective tissue cells.

CAS Number: 205640-90-0 (reported variant: 121062-08-6)
PubChem CID: 87815447
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₁₉N₃O₈
Molecular Weight: 333.29 g/mol
Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp (AED)
Purity: ≥ 98% (batch-dependent; refer to Certificate of Analysis)
Form: White to off-white lyophilized powder
Storage: Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated), protected from light; lyophilized powder may also be stored at -20°C
Solubility: Soluble in sterile water; prepare working solutions per laboratory protocol