#Longevity | #Metabolic | #Mitochondrial | #Regenerative

Epithalon / Epitalon

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala–Glu–Asp–Gly) based on the amino acid analysis of Epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract from the pineal gland.

Identified and synthesized by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson, it serves as a highly purified model for studying the biological effects previously attributed to pineal extracts. Its primary area of investigation is gerontology, specifically the mechanisms of telomere elongation and the regulation of cellular lifespan in vitro.

Note: All findings discussed are preclinical and exploratory. Epithalon is not an approved therapeutic agent.

Peptide Name:

Type:

Synthetic Tetrapeptide

Sequence Length:

4 Amino Acids

CAS Number:

307297-39-8

Primary Research Focus:

Cellular Aging, Telomerase, Oxidative Stress

Regulatory Status:

RUO (Research Use Only)

Molecular Formula:

C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉

Molecular Weight:

418.4 g/mol

Amino Acid Sequence:

Ala–Glu–Asp–Gly (L-Alanyl-L-Glutamyl-L-Aspartyl-Glycine)

Structure Note:

This sequence is notably short, contributing to a unique profile of potential gene interactions compared to longer, more complex peptides.

Store powder at +4°C (short term) or -20°C (long term). Keep desiccated.

For laboratory research use only. Reconstitute using sterile bacteriostatic water consistent with established laboratory research protocols. Preparation should be performed under aseptic conditions. Reconstituted material is not intended for long-term storage.

Amino Acid Sequence:

CELLULAR AGING & TELOMERASE-RELATED RESEARCH

The defining area of Epithalon research is its potential interaction with telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining the length of telomeres (protective caps at the ends of chromosomes).

Telomere Elongation: In-vitro studies on human somatic cells suggest Epithalon may induce telomerase activity, leading to the elongation of telomeres. This is theorized to overcome the “Hayflick limit.”
Gene Activation: Research proposes that the peptide may interact directly with specific DNA sequences in promoter regions, enabling expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).

Reference: Khavinson et al. (2003)

OXIDATIVE STRESS & MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION

Beyond telomeres, Epithalon is investigated for antioxidant and mitochondrial effects:

Up-regulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Glutathione Peroxidase)
Reduction of lipid peroxidation products (MDA)
Mitigation of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with oxidative damage

These findings suggest a potential geroprotective role independent of telomere dynamics.

DNA INTERACTION & GENE EXPRESSION (EPIGENETICS)

Bioregulator research proposes short peptides like Epithalon can bind within the major groove of DNA. This interaction may alter DNA conformation, increasing promoter accessibility and epigenetically regulating gene expression associated with differentiation and proliferation.

STEM CELL & DIFFERENTIATION RESEARCH

In mesenchymal stem cell models, Epithalon has been observed to promote directional differentiation, potentially supporting regenerative processes in aging systems. This effect is linked to modulation of signaling pathways such as retinoic acid signaling.

EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX & FIBROBLAST ACTIVITY

In skin fibroblast cultures, Epithalon has been studied for its influence on:

Collagen synthesis
Elastin production
Normalization of fibroblast activity in senescent cultures

This suggests a role in maintaining extracellular matrix integrity.

CIRCADIAN SIGNALING & MELATONIN-RELATED RESEARCH

Derived from pineal gland research, Epithalon is closely associated with circadian regulation.

Animal studies indicate restoration of rhythmic melatonin secretion in pinealectomized or aged models, suggesting upstream regulatory effects on pineal gland function.

EXPLORATORY ONCOLOGY & VISION RESEARCH

Oncology Models

Long-term rodent studies have examined Epithalon’s effects on spontaneous tumor incidence. Some models indicate inhibitory effects on tumor growth and metastasis, potentially mediated through antioxidant and immune normalization pathways.

Retinal Health

In hereditary retinal degeneration models, Epithalon has demonstrated preservation of retinal structure and electrophysiological function.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS

Preclinical Nature: Data primarily from in-vitro and rodent models
Bioavailability: Low oral bioavailability; injection models commonly used
Long-Term Effects: Telomerase activation raises theoretical oncogenic risk; long-term human safety remains unproven

KEY SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES

Khavinson, V. H. (2002) — Peptides and Ageing
Anisimov, V. N., et al. (1998) — Biogerontology
Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2013) — Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2020) — Stem Cell Reviews and Reports
Yue, X., et al. (2022) — Frontiers in Pharmacology

The compound listed below is referenced in research contexts related to the mechanisms discussed in this article.

The compound Epithalon discussed on this page is a chemical standard intended strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research applications (e.g., cell culture aging models, telomere assays). It is not a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. It is not intended for human consumption, injection, or therapeutic use. All handling must be performed by qualified professionals in a laboratory setting.

Epithalon / Epitalon

Peptide Name:

Type:

Sequence Length:

CAS Number:

Primary Research Focus:

Regulatory Status:

Molecular Formula:

Molecular Weight:

Amino Acid Sequence:

Structure Note:

Amino Acid Sequence:

Oncology Models

Retinal Health

Age Verification Required

GLP2-T

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1)

Tesamorelin

TB-500

SS-31

Semax

Selank

GLP3-R

PT-141