Epithalon

Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). It is a synthetic analog of epithalamin, a naturally occurring polypeptide extracted from the bovine pineal gland. The compound was developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology by Vladimir Khavinson and has been extensively studied for its geroprotective, neuroendocrine, and telomerase-activating properties.

Epithalon functions as a precision epigenetic modulator rather than a direct enzymatic cofactor. Its primary mechanism involves the upregulation of telomerase activity, the enzyme responsible for maintaining and elongating telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Epithalon can penetrate the cell membrane and enter the nucleus, where it increases the transcriptional levels of neurogenesis-related genes such as Nestin and GAP43. The compound also stimulates evening melatonin production and normalizes circadian rhythms of cortisol production, while exerting antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antimutagenic effects through both specific and nonspecific mechanisms.

• Aging and Longevity Research: Investigated for its geroprotective effects through telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human somatic cells, with studies demonstrating increased lifespan in model organisms.
• Neuroendocrine Regulation: Employed to study circadian rhythm restoration, melatonin synthesis modulation, and neuroprotection.
• Oncology Research: Studied for its inhibitory effects on spontaneous tumor development and carcinogenesis.
• Cellular and Molecular Biology: Utilized as a tool to investigate peptide-mediated signaling pathways, telomerase regulation, and cellular senescence mechanisms.

CAS Number: 307297-39-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉
Molecular Weight: 390.35 g/mol
Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)
Purity: ≥ 98% (batch-dependent; refer to Certificate of Analysis)
Form: White to off-white lyophilized powder
Storage: Store at ≤ -20°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light
Solubility: Soluble in sterile water and DMSO; prepare working solutions per laboratory protocol