Epitalon (Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled after the pineal bioregulator peptide epithalamin. Recognized in preclinical literature for its capacity to activate telomerase and influence circadian gene expression, Epitalon serves as a cornerstone molecule in cellular senescence and longevity research.
Epitalon (Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled after the pineal bioregulator peptide epithalamin. Recognized in preclinical literature for its capacity to activate telomerase and influence circadian gene expression, Epitalon serves as a cornerstone molecule in cellular senescence and longevity research.
When evaluating options to buy Epitalon research peptide for academic or industrial laboratory work, analytical verification and chemical identity are paramount. Qualified investigators require clear documentation confirming batch sequence integrity, high molecular purity, and freedom from bacterial contaminants. PX1 Research provides synthetic Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) synthesized in domestic, GMP-compliant facilities, supported by lot-specific analytical certificates.
To purchase research-grade Epitalon, laboratories need a transparent supplier that offers verified purity metrics, complete transparency on lot manufacturing, and rapid logistics to preserve compound integrity during transit. PX1 Research fulfills these requirements by providing independent third-party certification with every shipment, ensuring that research models receive uncompromised, high-purity material for in vitro and animal assays.
Because small synthetic peptides can vary significantly in purity depending on the coupling efficiency during solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), choosing a supplier committed to rigorous analytical standards is critical for reproducible scientific data. PX1 Research maintains absolute consistency across our full catalog of research peptides.
Epitalon is a short synthetic peptide comprising four amino acid residues: L-alanyl-L-glutamyl-L-aspartyl-glycine (sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly or AGDG). It has a chemical formula of C14H22N4O9 and a molecular mass of approximately 390.35 g/mol. As a synthetic derivative of the pineal-derived peptide complex epithalamin, Epitalon belongs to the broader class of short peptide bioregulators originally conceptualized at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
Due to its low molecular weight, Epitalon demonstrates unique physicochemical properties compared to larger polypeptide chains. In solid-phase synthesis, the simple tetrapeptide sequence minimizes sterically hindered coupling steps, allowing for exceptional chromatographic purity when produced under strict quality standards.
In aqueous solution, the polar carboxylic acid groups on the aspartic and glutamic acid side chains impart high solubility in standard laboratory buffers, such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and sterile water, facilitating straightforward preparation for cell culture or in vivo research protocols.
The primary mechanism studied in connection with Epitalon is its ability to induce telomerase activity in somatic cells. Telomeres—repetitive nucleoprotein structures located at the termini of linear chromosomes—progressively shorten during successive rounds of cell division. When telomeres reach a critically short length, cells enter replicative senescence or apoptosis. Preclinical studies suggest that Epitalon interacts with the promoter region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene, promoting transcription and subsequent enzymatic activity.
In vitro models employing human somatic fibroblasts have demonstrated that exposure to Epitalon induces the elongation of telomeres beyond control baseline levels. This activity is hypothesized to occur via epigenetic mechanisms, specifically through the de-repression of heterochromatin structures near the hTERT gene locus. By altering histone acetylation or DNA methylation patterns, Epitalon enables transcription factors to access previously silenced genomic regions.
Furthermore, research indicates that Epitalon may modulate chromatin structural stability directly. By stabilizing DNA-protein complexes, the peptide helps protect genomic DNA from oxidative degradation, providing a dual pathway of telomeric preservation and general genomic protection under conditions of cellular stress.
Beyond its direct cellular effects on telomerase, Epitalon is extensively studied for its neuroendocrine activity, specifically regarding pineal gland function and melatonin synthesis. In aging animal models, pineal secretion of melatonin undergoes a progressive decline, leading to disrupted circadian rhythms, altered neuroendocrine feedback loops, and accelerated systemic aging markers.
Preclinical investigations in rodent models demonstrate that Epitalon administration can restore nocturnal melatonin synthesis to levels observed in younger control cohorts. This effect is mediated through the upregulation of key enzymes in the melatonin biosynthetic pathway, including tryptophan hydroxylase and serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT).
By re-establishing physiological circadian signaling, Epitalon influences downstream hormonal axes, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Researchers utilize Epitalon in neuroendocrine models to explore how central pineal bioregulation impacts peripheral organ function, immune cell responsiveness, and age-related metabolic shifts.
A substantial body of literature outlines the effects of Epitalon across various experimental models, ranging from primary cell cultures to long-term rodent survival studies. In vitro assays using senescent cell lines indicate that Epitalon treatment delays the onset of the Hayflick limit, allowing cells to undergo additional population doublings while maintaining normal morphological characteristics.
In vivo studies involving mice and rats have evaluated Epitalon's impact on lifespan parameters, spontaneous tumor incidence, and antioxidant system status. Data published in peer-reviewed gerontological journals report that chronic administration of Epitalon in experimental rodents was associated with a reduction in spontaneous carcinogenesis, decreased markers of oxidative damage (such as malondialdehyde), and an increase in mean lifespan.
Additionally, research into the immune compartment reveals that Epitalon can normalize T-cell ratios in aging animals. Preclinical findings suggest that by stimulating thymic differentiation and modulating cytokine expression, Epitalon aids in preserving immune surveillance capabilities in aged biological systems.
When designing protocols to investigate cellular longevity and metabolic regulation, researchers frequently compare Epitalon with other small molecules and peptides operating through distinct biochemical pathways. Understanding these operational differences allows for targeted experimental design.
Epitalon acts primarily via nuclear chromatin remodeling, hTERT gene promoter activation, and pineal neuroendocrine normalization. In contrast, mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c target metabolic homeostasis by activating the AMPK pathway to regulate insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. Similarly, Humanin operates primarily within the mitochondria to prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and suppress neuroinflammatory signals. For targeted senolytic strategies, compounds such as FOXO4-DRI function by selectively disrupting p53-FOXO4 binding to induce apoptosis in senescent cells rather than extending telomeric potential.
Because these peptides address cellular aging from divergent angles—epigenetic/telomeric (Epitalon), metabolic/mitochondrial (MOTS-c and Humanin), and senolytic clearing (FOXO4-DRI)—investigators often utilize them in comparative or combination in vitro assays to map complex aging phenotypes.
To ensure reliable experimental outcomes, researchers sourcing Epitalon must verify the analytical credentials of each batch. Impurities arising from incomplete peptide coupling or inadequate purification can introduce confounding variables in cell culture and animal models.
PX1 ResearchSubjects every lot of Epitalon to rigorous analytical testing at independent, ISO 17025-accredited laboratories. Quality assurance includes:
Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC): Establishes chemical purity. PX1 Research guarantees a minimum purity threshold of >98% for all Epitalon lots, ensuring minimal presence of truncated peptide fragments or chemical adducts.
Mass Spectrometry (MS): Confirms exact molecular identity by verifying the theoretical mass-to-charge ratio of the tetrapeptide (390.35 g/mol).
Endotoxin Testing: Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) derived from Gram-negative bacteria can trigger non-specific inflammatory responses in cellular assays. PX1 Research tests every batch using Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assays, enforcing strict endotoxin limits (<0.01 EU/mg) suitable for sensitive preclinical models.
Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) containing full chromatographic data are published for full transparency prior to purchasing.
Proper handling and storage are vital to maintaining the structural stability of lyophilized Epitalon in a laboratory setting. Upon delivery, the lyophilized peptide powder should be stored in a freezer at -20°C or -80°C to prevent hydrolysis or thermal degradation.
When preparing Epitalon for in vitro or animal studies, researchers should follow standard aseptic reconstitution procedures. Detailed instructions for working with lyophilized powders are available in our peptide reconstitution guide. Reconstitution is typically performed using sterile, endotoxin-free water or bacteriostatic water, depending on the required storage duration of the liquid solution.
Once reconstituted, the peptide solution should be divided into single-use aliquots to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause molecular degradation. Reconstituted aliquots stored at 4°C should generally be utilized within 7 to 14 days, while long-term liquid storage requires freezing at -20°C or lower. Solvents containing harsh detergents or extreme pH levels should be avoided to preserve peptide bond integrity.
Securing high-quality research reagents requires a dependable domestic supply chain. PX1 Research operates state-of-the-art facilities located in California and Arizona, facilitating rapid processing and climate-controlled dispatch for lab orders.
Orders placed Monday through Friday ship same-day, minimizing transit times and reducing exposure to elevated ambient temperatures during transit. For academic institutions, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations needing larger quantities, PX1 offers streamlined wholesale research peptide purchasing options with full lot traceability.
By maintaining strict adherence to US manufacturing standards, ISO 17025 third-party testing, and low-endotoxin thresholds, PX1 Research serves as a trusted partner for investigators advancing cellular and preclinical science. For further technical specifications, explore our comprehensive research hub.
What is Epitalon research peptide?
Epitalon (also known as Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) designed to mimic the biological activity of epithalamin, a pineal gland peptide extract. It is synthesized for laboratory research into telomerase activation, chromatin structure, cellular senescence, and neuroendocrine function.
What is the primary mechanism of Epitalon in preclinical models?
Preclinical studies demonstrate that Epitalon activates telomerase expression by upregulating the hTERT gene promoter, which supports telomere elongation and maintenance. Additionally, it regulates pineal melatonin synthesis and exhibits antioxidant properties in cellular models.
How is Epitalon purity verified by PX1 Research?
PX1 Research verifies Epitalon purity using independent, ISO 17025-accredited laboratory testing. Every lot undergoes Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to ensure >98% purity, Mass Spectrometry (MS) to verify molecular identity, and LAL assays to confirm low endotoxin levels (<0.01 EU/mg).
Is Epitalon intended for human administration?
No. Epitalon supplied by PX1 Research is strictly designated for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research use only. It is not intended, labeled, or approved for human consumption, medical treatment, diagnosis, or clinical use.
What diluent should be used to reconstitute Epitalon for lab research?
Epitalon is typically reconstituted using sterile, endotoxin-free water or bacteriostatic water for laboratory protocols. The choice of solvent depends on the sensitivity of the cellular model and whether short-term refrigerated storage is required.
How should lyophilized Epitalon be stored upon arrival?
Lyophilized Epitalon powder should be stored at -20°C or -80°C in a dry, dark environment to preserve long-term stability. Avoid exposing the unconstituted vial to ambient heat or moisture before use.
How does Epitalon differ from MOTS-c or Humanin?
While Epitalon acts primarily on nuclear chromatin remodeling, hTERT transcription, and pineal regulation, MOTS-c and Humanin are mitochondrial-derived peptides that regulate metabolic energy pathways (AMPK) and mitochondrial cytoprotection, respectively.
Where does PX1 Research manufacture and ship Epitalon?
PX1 Research products are USA-manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities. Orders are fulfilled directly from distribution centers in California and Arizona, with same-day shipping available for orders placed Monday through Friday.
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.