peptides

Epithalon: Telomerase Research Peptide Guide

Comprehensive research guide for Epithalon (Epitalon), a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for its effects on telomerase activity.

7 min readUpdated Jan 2025

Epithalon: Research Overview

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. It was developed based on epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland, by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson. Research has focused on its potential relationship to telomerase activity.

Peptide Profile

PropertyDetails
Full NameEpithalon / Epitalon
SequenceAla-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)
Amino Acids4 (tetrapeptide)
Molecular Weight~390 g/mol
Purity99%+ (HPLC verified)
FormLyophilized powder

Background

Epithalamin Origin

Epithalon is a synthetic version based on:

  • Epithalamin: extracted from bovine pineal glands
  • Research conducted at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
  • Vladimir Khavinson's "bioregulator" research
  • Telomerase Connection

    Research interest centers on:

  • Telomerase enzyme activation
  • Telomere length studies
  • Cellular senescence research
  • Aging biology models
  • Understanding Telomeres

    What Are Telomeres?

    Telomeres are:

  • Protective caps on chromosome ends
  • Composed of repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG in humans)
  • Shorten with each cell division
  • Associated with cellular aging research
  • Telomerase Enzyme

    Telomerase:

  • Adds telomeric sequences to chromosome ends
  • Active in stem cells and germ cells
  • Generally inactive in adult somatic cells
  • Subject of extensive aging research
  • Research Applications

    Telomerase Studies

  • hTERT expression research
  • Telomerase activity assays
  • Telomere length measurements
  • Cell immortalization studies
  • Aging Research

  • Cellular senescence models
  • Biomarkers of aging
  • Longevity pathway studies
  • Replicative lifespan research
  • Pineal Research

  • Melatonin relationship studies
  • Circadian rhythm research
  • Neuroendocrine investigations
  • Reconstitution Protocol

    Standard Volumes

    Vial SizeBAC WaterConcentration
    10mg2ml5,000mcg/ml
    20mg4ml5,000mcg/ml

    Procedure

  • Allow vial to equilibrate to room temperature
  • Clean rubber stopper with alcohol
  • Add bacteriostatic water slowly
  • Allow to dissolve (usually quick for small peptides)
  • Solution should be clear and colorless
  • Store refrigerated immediately
  • Storage Guidelines

    Lyophilized

  • Freezer (-20°C): 2+ years
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 12+ months
  • Reconstituted

  • Temperature: 2-8°C
  • Duration: 4-6 weeks
  • Protection: Away from light
  • Physical Properties

    Lyophilized:

  • White powder
  • Small peptide dissolves quickly
  • No discoloration
  • Reconstituted:

  • Clear, colorless solution
  • No particles
  • Research Considerations

    Assay Methods

    Common research approaches:

  • TRAP assay (Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol)
  • qPCR for telomere length
  • hTERT gene expression analysis
  • Flow cytometry for senescence markers
  • Controls

    Appropriate controls include:

  • Vehicle controls
  • Positive controls (known telomerase activators)
  • Time-course studies
  • TopicConnection
    Telomerase activatorsMechanism comparison
    Pineal peptidesRelated bioregulators
    Senolytic researchAging biology overlap

    Conclusion

    Epithalon provides researchers with a tool to investigate telomerase biology and cellular aging mechanisms. Its simple tetrapeptide structure and research history support its use in longevity and telomere research applications.

    *Epithalon is sold for research purposes only and is not approved for human use.*

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Epithalon's relationship to telomerase?

    Epithalon has been studied for its potential to affect telomerase activity, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. Research has examined whether it influences hTERT expression and telomerase function in various cell models.

    Is Epithalon natural or synthetic?

    Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide. It was designed based on epithalamin, a peptide extract originally derived from bovine pineal glands, but is now produced through chemical synthesis.

    Why is Epithalon such a small peptide?

    At only 4 amino acids (AEDG), Epithalon is a tetrapeptide. Its small size contributes to stability and ease of synthesis. The specific sequence was identified as the active core of the larger epithalamin extract.

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