Vesugen

Vesugen (T-38) is a synthetic tripeptide with the sequence Lys-Glu-Asp (KED). It is one of a number of small peptide bioregulators developed in Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Its design is derived from a peptide complex isolated from the vascular tissue of young animals. The compound has been investigated for its purported vasoprotective, anti-aging, and regenerative properties, with a primary focus on microvascular network health.

Vesugen exerts its effects through multi-level cellular and molecular regulation. It is theorized to function through modulation rather than classical receptor activation. Key mechanisms include:

• Epigenetic Gene Regulation: Vesugen is hypothesized to interact directly with DNA, particularly binding to the promoter region of the MKI67 gene (encoding the proliferation marker Ki-67). This interaction may epigenetically regulate gene expression, promoting endothelial cell proliferation.
• Vascular Endothelial Support: The compound promotes the proliferation and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells, which is crucial for vascular repair and maintaining vascular integrity. It has been shown to stimulate proliferation-associated proteins in vascular endothelial cell cultures.
• Regulation of Gene Expression and Chromatin State: Vesugen can bind specifically to DNA, modulating chromatin conformation and gene transcriptional activity. This affects the synthesis of various proteins related to vascular function and may reduce the expression of inflammatory factors.
• Promotion of Angiogenesis and Remodeling: In vitro experiments demonstrate protective effects on vascular cells, improving microcirculation and enhancing vascular elasticity.
• Enhancement of Stress Resistance and Antioxidant Capacity: Vesugen can improve an organism's tolerance to stressful conditions like hypoxia and reduce oxidative damage to neural and vascular cells.
• Influence on Nitric Oxide (NO) Synthesis: Vesugen is thought to exert an influence on nitric oxide synthesis, a critical molecule in vascular integrity and blood flow regulation.

• Vascular and Endothelial Research: Investigated for its vasoprotective effects, including the promotion of endothelial cell proliferation, repair of microvessels, and improvement of blood flow. Studies have explored its potential role in vascular disease models, such as atherosclerosis and chronic arterial insufficiency.
• Aging and Geroprotective Studies: Employed in research on cellular aging, with studies suggesting it may support chromosomal integrity and promote proliferation in aged endothelial cell populations. Vesugen has demonstrated a more visible geroprotective effect than Pinealon in some studies.
• Cellular and Molecular Biology: Utilized as a research tool to study peptide-DNA interactions, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and the modulation of cellular signaling pathways.
• Neuroprotection: Investigated for its neurotropic effects in brain tissue, with potential applications in research on organic brain syndrome and central nervous system function.

CAS Number: 204271-66-9
PubChem CID: Not available in the reviewed sources
Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₆N₄O₈
Molecular Weight: 390.39 g/mol
Sequence: Lys-Glu-Asp (KED)
Purity: ≥ 99%
Form: Lyophilized powder
Storage: Store at ≤ -20°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture
Solubility: Soluble in sterile water and DMSO; prepare working solutions per laboratory protocol