Cartalax is a synthetic short-chain bioregulator tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) evaluated in preclinical models for its role in regulating extracellular matrix synthesis, cartilage homeostasis, and connective tissue gene expression. Designed exclusively for laboratory research, this compound provides researchers with a targeted tool to study peptide-mediated cell signaling.
Cartalax is a synthetic short-chain bioregulator tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) evaluated in preclinical models for its role in regulating extracellular matrix synthesis, cartilage homeostasis, and connective tissue gene expression. Designed exclusively for laboratory research, this compound provides researchers with a targeted tool to study peptide-mediated cell signaling.
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence L-alanyl-L-glutamyl-L-aspartic acid (Ala-Glu-Asp). Investigated primarily as a short-chain peptide bioregulator, Cartalax serves as a reference molecule in preclinical studies examining extracellular matrix remodeling, chondrocyte transcriptomics, and the regulation of connective tissue homeostasis.
As part of the broad class of short peptide bioregulators initially conceptualized in cellular biogerontology research, Cartalax is synthesized to study direct peptide-DNA interactions, chromatin remodeling, and gene expression downstream of cellular uptake. Researchers interested in exploring high-purity bioregulatory molecules can access Cartalax along with our full catalog of all research peptides engineered for rigorous in vitro evaluation.
The primary structure of Cartalax comprises three L-configuration amino acids linked via peptide bonds: Alanine, Glutamic Acid, and Aspartic Acid. With a chemical formula of C12H19N3O8 and a low molecular mass (approximately 333.29 g/mol), Cartalax represents a minimal signaling sequence capable of penetrating cell membranes and nuclear envelopes via standard transport mechanisms or direct diffusion during controlled cell culture assays.
The presence of two acidic amino acid residues—glutamic acid and aspartic acid—imparts a net negative charge to the molecule at physiological pH. This specific ionic profile facilitates electrostatic interactions with histones and nucleosomal DNA target sites within the nucleus. Detailed biochemical specifications and structural data for Cartalax can be reviewed in our comprehensive peptide research library.
Preclinical investigations suggest that short synthetic tripeptides like Cartalax regulate gene expression through site-specific binding to chromatin structures. In vitro models utilizing isolated nuclei and cell-free DNA binding assays indicate that Ala-Glu-Asp interacts with specific nucleotide motifs within the promoter regions of genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
In chondrocyte culture models, exposure to Cartalax has been associated with alterations in the transcriptional activity of genes encoding Type II collagen (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN). Furthermore, in vitro studies report a potential downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)—specifically MMP-3 and MMP-13—suggesting that the peptide may alter the enzymatic turnover rate of cartilage-derived structural proteins under induced stress conditions.
Literature surrounding Cartalax focuses predominantly on cell culture assays and rodent tissue models evaluating articular cartilage degradation, cellular senescence, and synthetic activity in connective tissue cell lines.
In primary articular chondrocyte cultures exposed to inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-1β), administration of Cartalax led to a measurable reduction in apoptotic markers and stabilized intracellular glycosaminoglycan concentration. Animal study models of joint immobilization or age-related cartilage attrition demonstrated that treatment with short-chain peptides altered cellular proliferation rates and supported structural integrity of the extracellular matrix compared to non-treated control groups.
To contextualize Cartalax within broader peptide research, it is helpful to compare its functional profile with other synthetic bioregulators and repair-focused compounds studied in preclinical research.
While Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp) specifically targets cartilage and connective tissue transcriptomics, other short peptides act on distinct physiological systems or mechanisms. For instance, Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is widely studied for its interactions with telomerase activity and neuroendocrine regulation. Similarly, Vilon (Lys-Glu) is utilized in immune system signaling research, while Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg) targets neuronal cell preservation under hypoxic conditions. Beyond short bioregulators, pentadecapeptide compounds such as BPC-157 are examined for systemic cytoprotection and angiogenesis pathways. Researchers can analyze these complementary signaling mechanisms via our wholesale lab account program to establish robust comparative study matrices.
Cartalax is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder to ensure optimal chemical stability during storage and transit. To prepare Cartalax for in vitro experimental procedures, proper aseptic laboratory techniques must be maintained.
Reconstitution should be performed using sterile Bacteriostatic Water, Sterile Water for Injection, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), depending on the requirements of the downstream assay. Due to its hydrophilic polar residues (Asp and Glu), Cartalax demonstrates rapid solubility in aqueous solutions. The lyophilized vial should be allowed to equilibrate to room temperature before reconstitution to prevent moisture condensation. Gentle swirling is recommended; aggressive agitation or vortexing should be avoided to prevent mechanical shearing of the peptide bonds.
Lyophilized Cartalax remains stable when stored at -20°C for short to medium-term research periods, or at -80°C for extended archival storage. Vials must be kept away from light and direct moisture to prevent hydrolytic degradation.
Once reconstituted into aqueous solution, Cartalax should be aliquoted into single-use experimental volumes to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Reconstituted solution aliquots should be stored at 2°C to 8°C for immediate use within short timeframes, or frozen at -20°C or colder for longer stability. Standard laboratory practice mandates handling all reconstituted solutions inside a laminar flow cabinet.
Research validity relies entirely on the chemical purity and structural identity of the synthesized compound. Low-purity reagents introduce unknown contaminants, TFA residues, or truncated peptide sequences that jeopardize experimental reproducibility.
PX1 Research enforces stringent analytical evaluation for every lot of Cartalax. Analysis includes Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) to verify chromatographic purity (consistently exceeding 99.0%) and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) to confirm the exact molecular weight (333.29 Da). Detailed insights into our analytical methodology can be explored in our guide on peptide purity standards.
Bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) represent a severe confounding variable in cell culture assays, as they trigger non-specific inflammatory signaling via Toll-like receptor pathways. Such artifacts invalidate data regarding chondrocyte gene expression and matrix synthesis.
PX1 Research validates every lot of Cartalax through Chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing to ensure endotoxin levels remain strictly below laboratory thresholds (<0.01 EU/mg). Manufactured in USA-based, GMP-compliant facilities operating under ISO 17025 laboratory accreditations, every product container carries full lot traceability and is accompanied by a downloadable, third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What is the amino acid sequence of Cartalax?
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide consisting of the sequence L-Alanyl-L-Glutamyl-L-Aspartic Acid (Ala-Glu-Asp or AED).
What is the molecular weight of Cartalax?
Cartalax has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 333.29 g/mol.
How is Cartalax supplied by PX1 Research?
Cartalax is supplied as a lyophilized, sterile-filtered research powder packaged in sealed glass vials for laboratory use only.
What reconstitution solvents are recommended for Cartalax?
Cartalax rapidly dissolves in sterile water, bacteriostatic water, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) due to its polar, acidic amino acid side chains.
How should reconstituted Cartalax solutions be stored?
Reconstituted Cartalax solutions should be stored in single-use aliquots at -20°C or -80°C to prevent freeze-thaw degradation. Short-term storage of reconstituted liquid can be maintained at 2°C to 8°C.
What analytical methods are used to verify Cartalax purity?
Every lot of Cartalax undergoes Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) for purity determination and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to confirm exact molecular identity.
Are endotoxin assays performed on Cartalax batches?
Yes, PX1 Research evaluates all batches using Chromogenic LAL assays to confirm endotoxin levels are under strict laboratory limits (<0.01 EU/mg) to prevent artifacts in cell culture experiments.
Is Cartalax approved for human administration or therapeutic use?
No. Cartalax is strictly a research chemical sold exclusively for in vitro, biochemical, and preclinical laboratory experimentation. It is not for human or animal therapeutic use.
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.