Epithalon

Epithalon – a tetrapeptide that activates telomerase

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, developed by prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Studies on cell cultures have demonstrated its ability to activate telomerase – the enzyme responsible for maintaining the length of telomeres. Epithalon is one of the most intensively studied bioregulatory peptides in the context of cellular aging. The product is intended for research use only (Research Use Only) – it is not a medicinal product or a dietary supplement. Check out EPITHALON 10 mg in the One Peptides offer.

What is Epithalon?

Epithalon (also known as Epitalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). It was developed in the 1990s by prof. Vladimir Khavinson and his team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology (Russia) as a synthetic analogue of epithalamine – pineal gland extract (glandula pinealis).

The main area of ​​research interest in Epithalon is its effect on telomerase activity in cell cultures. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that extends repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG) at the ends of chromosomes – these structures are called telomeres. Telomere shortening is considered one of the molecular markers of cellular aging.

In vitro studies on human fibroblasts and animal models (primarily rodents) showed that Epithalon can stimulate the expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT). The molecular weight of Epithalon is approximately 390 Da, making it one of the smaller research peptides. Its small size results in favorable penetration in tissue models.

Epithalon variants available

The product is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) containing purity data (HPLC) and confirmation of identity (MS). Full specifications are available on the product card.

EPITHALON 10 mg — product characteristics

EPITHALON 10 mg in the form of a lyophilized product is a universal research product suitable for a wide range of experimental protocols – from initial pilot studies and protocol testing on single cell lines, through studies involving several experimental groups, to extensive experimental series. The 10 mg weight provides enough substance for multiple repetitions and long-term studies on telomerase activity in various cell models.

The freeze-dried form shows good storage stability at low temperatures (below -20 degrees Celsius). After reconstitution in sterile water or an appropriate buffer, it is recommended to use or freeze aliquots immediately to preserve peptide activity.

How is Epithalon different from similar peptides?

Epithalon vs Selank

Selank is a synthetic analogue of taftcin, a peptide with immunomodulatory and anxiolytic activity in animal models. Epithalon, on the other hand, is a bioregulatory peptide whose main research mechanism concerns the activation of telomerase and the effect on telomere length. These are peptides with fundamentally different action profiles: Selank affects the immune system and GABA receptors, while Epithalon engages pathways related to maintaining chromosome integrity. They do not share common molecular mechanisms. See category: Selank

Epithalon vs Semax

Semax is a synthetic analogue of the ACTH (4-10) fragment, studied in the context of neuroprotection and modulation of neurotrophic factors (BDNF) in animal models. Epithalon and Semax belong to different functional classes – Semax works at the level of the nervous system and growth factors, Epithalon at the level of DNA replication mechanisms and cellular aging. Both peptides are the subject of research by Prof. Khavinson and Russian research institutes, but their research applications do not overlap. See category: Semax

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

1. What is Epithalon and who developed it?
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is a synthetic equivalent of epithalamine – a natural extract from the pineal gland. Its structure was designed with telomerase research in mind.

2. What is Epithalon research?
The main stream of research focuses on the ability of Epithalon to activate telomerase in cell cultures, including human fibroblasts. In vivo studies conducted on animal models (rodents) analyze the effect of this peptide on biomarkers of cellular aging, including telomere length and hTERT expression.

3. Is Epithalon a drug or supplement?
NO. Epithalon offered by One Peptides is a chemical substance intended exclusively for scientific research (Research Use Only). It is not a medicinal product, medicine or dietary supplement and is not intended for clinical use.

4. How to store Epithalon?
Lyophilized Epithalon should be stored at a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius, in its original, tightly closed packaging, away from light. Once dissolved, the solution should be divided into aliquots and frozen or used immediately.

5. What is the difference between Epithalon and epithalamine?
Epithalamine is a natural extract obtained from the pineal gland of animals, containing a mixture of peptides. Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide designed as a simplified analogue of epithalamine with a defined structure. Due to its synthetic nature, Epithalon offers greater reproducibility in laboratory conditions.

Quality and standards at One Peptides

Each batch of Epithalon at One Peptides undergoes quality control including HPLC analysis (confirmation of purity above 98%) and mass spectrometry (MS) verifying the molecular weight and identity of the peptide. Each order is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), enabling full validation of the substance before starting experiments.