Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly; CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide originally derived from the natural peptide extract of the pineal gland known as epithalamin. With a molecular weight of 390.35...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
390.35 Da
Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
CAS Number
307297-39-8
About This Peptide
Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly; CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide originally derived from the natural peptide extract of the pineal gland known as epithalamin. With a molecular weight of 390.35 Da and the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, Epithalon is classified as a short regulatory peptide belonging to a broader category of cytomedins — bioregulatory peptides hypothesized to participate in neuroendocrine and intercellular signaling. Available from Pepitiva Biolabs at ≥98% purity in lyophilized powder form, this compound is used exclusively in preclinical and in vitro research settings.
The scientific investigation of Epithalon began primarily through the work of Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, where pineal-derived peptide fractions were studied in the context of aging biology and telomere dynamics. Research interest in Epithalon grew substantially after observations in cell culture and animal models suggested possible interactions with telomerase activity — the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length — positioning it as a subject of interest within the broader field of longevity and cellular senescence research. These findings prompted a range of subsequent investigations into its biochemical properties at the molecular level.
Structurally, Epithalon is a linear tetrapeptide with no disulfide bridges, making it relatively straightforward to synthesize and characterize. Its short chain length allows facile penetration into cellular compartments in vitro, a property that has supported its use in mechanistic cell biology studies. Researchers working in gerontology, chronobiology, and epigenetics have incorporated Epithalon into experimental frameworks designed to probe the molecular underpinnings of replicative senescence and organismal aging. The compound is stored at −20°C to preserve lyophilized integrity and is supplied for research use only. Not for human consumption.
As a research-grade reagent, Epithalon serves as a useful tool for laboratories seeking to interrogate peptide-mediated regulation of gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and stress-response pathways in aged or senescent cell populations. Its well-defined sequence and established physicochemical profile make it amenable to rigorous experimental standardization.
Research Applications
≥98% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
The primary mechanism under investigation for Epithalon centers on its reported capacity to stimulate telomerase (hTERT) activity in somatic cell cultures. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase that elongates telomeric repeat sequences (TTAGGG)n at chromosome ends, thereby counteracting replicative telomere attrition. Preclinical studies have assessed whether Epithalon modulates hTERT gene expression at the transcriptional level, potentially through interactions with regulatory elements responsive to pineal or neuroendocrine signaling cascades. This line of inquiry positions the tetrapeptide as a putative epigenetic modulator in senescence research frameworks.
Additional mechanistic hypotheses under laboratory investigation include Epithalon's possible influence on melatonin biosynthesis pathways via pineal gland signaling, antioxidant enzyme upregulation (notably superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities), and modulation of cytokine expression profiles in aged immune cell preparations. Some in vitro data suggest interactions with glucocorticoid-responsive elements and possible downstream effects on NF-κB inflammatory signaling, though the precise receptor targets and binding affinities remain active areas of research. These mechanistic questions are being explored in controlled cell culture and rodent model systems; no clinical mechanism has been established.
At the structural level, the Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly sequence carries a net negative charge under physiological pH conditions due to its glutamate and aspartate residues, which may facilitate electrostatic interactions with chromatin-associated proteins or transcription factor complexes. Researchers are investigating whether this charge profile enables the peptide to modulate chromatin accessibility, potentially altering gene expression programs associated with cellular aging phenotypes in a sequence-specific manner.
Research Applications
Epithalon is employed across a range of preclinical and in vitro research disciplines focused on aging biology, cellular regulation, and peptide biochemistry. Representative research application areas include:
Telomerase activity assays: Used as a reference modulator in TRAP (Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol) assays to study hTERT upregulation in human diploid fibroblast and epithelial cell cultures undergoing replicative senescence.
Cellular senescence models: Incorporated into in vitro senescence induction protocols to assess changes in senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, p21/p53 pathway markers, and morphological senescent phenotypes.
Pineal gland and chronobiology research: Applied in ex vivo pineal tissue preparations and hypothalamic cell lines to investigate regulatory interactions between short peptides and melatonin biosynthetic enzymes.
Antioxidant pathway studies: Used to evaluate modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant enzyme gene expression (SOD1, GPx) in oxidatively stressed primary cell cultures.
Epigenetic and gene expression profiling: Included in transcriptomic and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments aimed at identifying peptide-responsive regulatory loci in aged versus young cell populations.
Rodent aging model studies: Administered in controlled preclinical mammalian studies examining longevity-associated biomarkers, organ histology, and neuroendocrine endpoint measurements under approved institutional protocols.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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