Vilon

Vilon (Lys-Glu) is a synthetic dipeptide bioregulator composed of the amino acids lysine and glutamic acid. It was developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. As one of the shortest known peptides with significant biological activity, Vilon has garnered research interest for its potential role in supporting immune balance, cellular resilience, and healthy aging.

Vilon exerts its biological effects through several interconnected mechanisms, primarily at the genomic level:

• Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Remodeling: Vilon is hypothesized to interact directly with cellular chromatin. In aging cells, chromatin becomes excessively condensed (heterochromatinization), which can deactivate genes. Vilon may induce deheterochromatinization (unrolling/decondensation) of specific chromosome regions, reactivating previously silenced genes, including ribosomal genes critical for protein synthesis. It selectively targets specific chromosomal regions.
• Gene Expression Modulation: Research suggests Vilon may regulate the expression of key genes involved in cellular aging, immunity, and maintenance. In mesenchymal stem cell models, it has been shown to influence genes including IGF1, FOXO1, TERT (telomerase), TNKS2, and NFκB. It also modulates proteins associated with proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling, such as Ki-67 and MMP-9.
• Immunomodulation: Vilon acts as an immunomodulator, particularly influencing the thymus, the central organ of the immune system. It stimulates the differentiation of thymocyte precursors into mature CD5+ cells, which develop into T-helper cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. It also produces a potent comitogenic effect on thymocyte proliferation.

• Immunology and Immune Support: Investigated for its immunomodulatory properties, including its influence on T-cell differentiation, thymocyte proliferation, and immune balance.
• Aging and Geroprotective Research: Studied for its potential geroprotective effects, which are believed to arise from its ability to remodel chromatin, reactivate genes in aging cells, and support cellular maintenance pathways.
• Gene Regulation and Epigenetics: Employed as a research tool to study peptide-DNA interactions, chromatin remodeling, and the modulation of gene expression.
• Oncology Research: Investigated for its oncostatic effects. In animal models of carcinogenesis, Vilon treatment was associated with a reduction in the incidence of induced tumors.
• Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Research: Studied for its ability to improve the transport characteristics of the small intestine in aged rats by increasing the activity of membrane enzymes.

CAS Number: 45234-02-4
PubChem CID: 7010502
Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₂₁N₃O₅
Molecular Weight: 275.30 g/mol
Sequence: Lys-Glu (KE)
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