Epitalon
A synthetic tetrapeptide derived from pineal gland research, studied for effects on telomerase activity, circadian rhythm, and aging biomarkers.
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What is Epitalon?
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology beginning in the 1980s. The peptide was designed based on the structure of epithalamin, a pineal gland peptide preparation studied in Russian research throughout the late Soviet period. Epitalon is the simplest active fragment of this preparation, consisting of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine (AEDG).
Epitalon is notable in research as part of a broader category called “short peptide bioregulators,” a research tradition that theorizes short peptides can regulate gene expression in tissue-specific ways. Among the short peptide bioregulators, Epitalon has been the most extensively studied. Research has examined effects on telomerase activity, aging biomarkers, circadian rhythm regulation, melatonin production, immune function, and various age-related parameters. Much of this research originates from Russian scientific tradition, with increasing publications in English-language journals over recent decades.
Mechanism of action
Epitalon’s mechanisms of action have been investigated across multiple pathways:
- Telomerase activity modulation: Research by Khavinson and colleagues has documented increased telomerase activity in somatic cells in culture and telomere length effects in human cells in vitro, though independent replication in mainstream research has been limited.
- Pineal function and circadian regulation: As a pineal-derived peptide, Epitalon has been studied for effects on pineal gland function, melatonin production, and circadian rhythm stability, particularly in aged populations.
- Gene expression effects: Within the Khavinson research framework, short peptide bioregulators are proposed to influence gene expression through direct interaction with DNA at specific binding sites, with some experimental evidence published.
- Immunomodulation: Studies have documented effects on immune function including T-cell function, NK cell activity, and inflammatory markers, paralleling effects observed with other immunomodulatory peptides.
- Antioxidant pathway effects: Research has examined effects on antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress markers in aged populations and disease models.
These pathways are characterized primarily in Russian research and limited independent studies.
Research applications
Epitalon has been investigated across several research domains, with the most active areas including:
- Aging biomarker research: The bulk of Epitalon research has examined effects on aging biomarkers including telomere length, cellular senescence markers, antioxidant enzyme activity, and various measures of physiological function in aged research populations.
- Circadian rhythm research: Studies have examined effects on melatonin production, sleep-wake regulation, and circadian rhythm stability, with particular focus on elderly populations with age-related circadian dysregulation.
- Cancer biology research: Despite the telomerase activation findings, Russian research has reported effects of Epitalon in reducing certain cancer markers and improving outcomes in some cancer models, with the mechanism for this apparent paradox remaining incompletely characterized.
- Visual function research: Studies have examined Epitalon effects on retinal function and age-related vision changes, drawing on research connections between pineal function and visual system regulation.
- Cognitive function research: Research has examined effects on cognitive performance and memory in aged populations and models of age-related cognitive decline.
This compound is intended for laboratory research use only. It has not been approved for human therapeutic use by any regulatory agency.
Storage & reconstitution
In its lyophilized form, Epitalon tolerates ambient temperatures during shipping but should be stored long-term at -20°C, protected from light. As a small tetrapeptide, it is relatively stable compared to larger peptides. Properly stored lyophilized peptide remains stable for 24 months or longer.
Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection, Epitalon solutions should be stored refrigerated at 2-8°C and used within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade peptide structure and reduce activity.
Visual inspection should be performed before each use. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless. Reject any solution that appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particulate matter.
For step-by-step reconstitution calculations, see our reconstitution calculator.
For laboratory research use only. The compound described on this page is intended exclusively for in vitro research and laboratory experimentation by qualified researchers and is not for human or veterinary use. It is not a drug, food, dietary supplement, or cosmetic, and has not been approved by the FDA, Health Canada, EMA, or any other regulatory authority for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or medical condition. The information provided on this page is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. By accessing this content you confirm that you are a qualified researcher purchasing for legitimate laboratory purposes.