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Epitalon | CAS: 307297-39-8

CAS Number:
307297-39-8
Chemical Classification:
Research peptide

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Epitalon (CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on pineal epithalamin sequences and studied primarily in aging-related and circadian-biology research programs. Telomerase-activity claims and pineal-axis hypotheses are evaluated under widely divergent protocols, from cell-senescence cultures to long-duration rodent cohorts with varied light–dark entrainment. Investigators may deploy the peptide in fibroblast replicative-lifespan assays, melatonin-rhythm monitoring after subcutaneous dosing, or comparative studies alongside other geroprotective candidates. Supplied with COA, LC-MS, HPLC, and NMR analytical support for research use—not for clinical anti-aging application.

CAS
307297-39-8
Molecular Formula
C14H22N4O9
Molecular Weight
390.3 g/mol
Purity
≥98%
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Storage
Store at -20°C

Analytical Documentation

COA✓ Available
LC-MS✓ Available
HPLC✓ Available
NMR✓ Available

Research Inquiry

Overview

Epitalon, also known as epithalon or AEDG peptide, is a synthetic tetrapeptide with sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly corresponding to a fragment of epithalamin, a pineal gland extract studied in aging research contexts. Developed as a defined chemical entity replacing ill-characterized extracts, epitalon enables reproducible laboratory investigation of telomerase activity, circadian rhythm gene expression, and oxidative stress responses in cell culture and rodent aging models. The peptide's small size permits efficient synthesis and high purity verification, supporting mechanistic studies on pineal-hypothalamic axis biology and cellular senescence markers in academic longevity research programs that explicitly avoid clinical anti-aging claims. Supplied at ≥98% purity (C14H22N4O9; 390.3 g/mol), this material supports controlled laboratory investigation under research-use-only conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Epitalon upregulates telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression in human somatic cell lines in some research reports, associated with extended replicative capacity in fibroblast culture without oncogenic transformation in controlled short-term assays. The peptide modulates melatonin synthesis pathways indirectly through pinealocyte culture experiments, altering arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in vitro. Antioxidant enzyme induction including superoxide dismutase and catalase appears in aging rodent tissues following research administration schedules. Epitalon may influence histone acetylation patterns at telomere-associated loci in exploratory epigenetics studies. Mechanisms integrate pineal biology with cellular aging markers rather than single-receptor GPCR signaling.

Receptor Binding & Signaling

No canonical GPCR or nuclear receptor has been validated as primary epitalon target. Cell penetration occurs readily due to tetrapeptide size, enabling nuclear and mitochondrial localization in fluorescence-labeled tracer studies. Interaction with DNA or histone complexes at telomere regions has been proposed in biochemical assays. Off-target receptor screens at research concentrations show negligible GPCR activation.

Research Applications

Telomerase and replicative senescence models

Human fibroblast and lymphocyte cultures expose cells to epitalon to measure TERT mRNA, telomerase activity assays, and population doubling levels before senescence onset. Controls include telomerase inhibitors and passage-matched untreated cells. Research focuses on cellular aging biomarkers in vitro without lifespan extension claims in humans.

Pinealocyte and circadian research

Primary pineal cultures and suprachiasmatic nucleus explants use epitalon to study melatonin secretion rhythms and clock gene expression profiles. Light-dark cycle animal models pair peptide administration with pineal histology. These studies explore neuroendocrine aging biology in academic research settings.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant pathways

Aging rodent models measure lipid peroxidation, SOD activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential following epitalon in controlled research protocols. Tissue-specific sampling includes liver, brain, and pineal gland. Results inform oxidative stress hypotheses in longevity research without therapeutic application.

Epigenetic aging biomarker studies

DNA methylation clocks and histone modification profiling in cell lines test whether epitalon shifts epigenetic age estimates in short-term culture experiments. Multi-omic datasets correlate telomere length measurements with transcriptomic changes. Research remains exploratory and confined to laboratory science.

Molecular Information

Sequence & Chain Summary

Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG tetrapeptide).

Modification Type

Unmodified synthetic tetrapeptide.

Structural Notes

Epitalon is a highly polar tetrapeptide with molecular weight 390.3 g/mol, easily characterized by amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry. Lack of hydrophobic residues limits aggregation. High aqueous solubility simplifies reconstitution for cell culture dosing in micromolar ranges. Batch-specific molecular characterization—including mass confirmation and purity profiling—is available through COA, LC-MS, HPLC, and NMR documentation supplied with Epitalon.

Molecular Formula
C14H22N4O9
Molecular Weight
390.3 g/mol
Purity Specification
≥98%

Experimental Notes

Stability

Lyophilized epitalon stable at −20°C for extended periods. Reconstituted solutions stable refrigerated for short-term cell culture use. Minimal protease sensitivity due to short length yet susceptible to microbial growth in aqueous media without sterility precautions. Lyophilized Epitalon should be protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and prolonged exposure to ambient light where applicable. Analytical integrity is best preserved when material is stored under the conditions specified on the certificate of analysis.

Storage Conditions

Store at -20°C. Epitalon is supplied as white lyophilized powder. For long-term archival storage in research inventories, maintain sealed containers with desiccant where recommended and document lot numbers for traceability across experimental runs.

Laboratory Handling

Dissolve directly in culture media or sterile water. Filter sterilize for sensitive cell lines. Use molar concentrations for reproducible dosing across aging research experiments. Document lot traceability. Reconstitute only with appropriate research-grade solvents compatible with your assay format. Allow vials to reach equilibrium before opening, work under clean bench conditions, and label all working solutions with concentration, date, and researcher ID per institutional SOPs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research-focused answers about Epitalon. For laboratory use only — not medical advice.

What is Epitalon used for in research?
Epitalon is for aging biology and telomerase research in qualified laboratories studying cellular senescence and pineal-related pathways. Not for human anti-aging treatment or nutraceutical application.
How does Epitalon work biologically?
Epitalon influences telomerase expression, antioxidant enzyme profiles, and pineal-related rhythms in research models through mechanisms involving cellular uptake and gene regulatory effects rather than defined GPCR activation.
What receptors does Epitalon interact with?
No validated primary cell surface receptor; epitalon acts as a small peptide with intracellular and possible chromatin-associated activities in research systems. Standard receptor panels show no significant GPCR engagement.
Is Epitalon stable at room temperature?
Lyophilized epitalon stable at −20°C for extended periods. Reconstituted solutions stable refrigerated for short-term cell culture use. Minimal protease sensitivity due to short length yet susceptible to microbial growth in aqueous media without sterility precautions. For short-term laboratory workflows, minimize time at room temperature and return unused material to recommended storage promptly. Epitalon is not formulated for ambient long-term storage.
What is the recommended storage condition for Epitalon?
Store at -20°C. Store lyophilized material in a dedicated −20°C freezer, protect from moisture ingress, and avoid repeated temperature cycling. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and frozen if not used within the validated window of your internal stability study.