Research Compound Epithalon

Research Compound Epithalon is a laboratory material for analytical and in vitro work.

What is Epithalon?

Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, with a molecular weight of approximately 390 Da.

Research background

Epithalon was developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group at the Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in St Petersburg. The sequence was designed based on analysis of epithalamin, a peptide extract of the pineal gland. The great majority of published work comes from the same research group and independent replications are few, which is important when interpreting the literature.

Mechanism and scientific context

The most cited papers describe telomerase activation and telomere elongation in cultures of human fibroblasts, and changes in gene expression. It has been proposed that short peptides such as Epithalon may interact directly with DNA and influence transcription, but this mechanism has not been confirmed by independent research. Telomerase activation in cell culture is not evidence of an effect on the organism.

Main research areas

• telomerase and telomere length
• replicative senescence in cell culture
• gene expression
• pineal biology

Level of evidence

Predominantly experimental, with a limited number of independent replications.

Research use only: for laboratory, analytical and in vitro research only; not for use in humans or animals. Guidance on batch documentation is available in our COA guide.