Epitalon (also known as Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled after the pineal gland bioregulator epithalamin. Designed exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research, this compound is primarily investigated for its effects on telomerase expression, chromatin structure, and pineal endocrinology.
Epitalon (also known as Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled after the pineal gland bioregulator epithalamin. Designed exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research, this compound is primarily investigated for its effects on telomerase expression, chromatin structure, and pineal endocrinology.
An Epitalon (Epithalon) 10mg/20mg vial contains a highly purified, synthetic tetrapeptide (L-alanyl-L-glutamyl-L-aspartyl-glycine) supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research use only. Investigated primarily as a peptide bioregulator, Epitalon is evaluated in cell culture and preclinical models for its capacity to induce telomerase activity, maintain structural telomere length, and modulate circadian rhythm pathways.
Discovered through research into short-chain peptide bioregulators derived from pineal extracts, Epitalon acts as a chromatin-modifying agent that regulates gene expression at the transcriptional level. Laboratory investigators utilize the epitalon (epithalon) 10mg/20mg vial configuration to conduct standardized assays examining cellular senescence, DNA integrity, and neuroendocrine function.
As a synthetic sequence free from biological contaminants, purified Epitalon allows researchers to isolate specific biochemical cascades without the batch-to-batch variability observed in crude tissue extracts. All formulations provided by PX1 Research are synthesized under rigorous standards and intended solely for controlled laboratory experimentation.
Epitalon possesses the primary amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AGDG), corresponding to the empirical formula C16H26N4O9 and a molecular mass of approximately 390.35 g/mol. This hydrophilic tetrapeptide features two acidic side chains contributed by glutamic acid and aspartic acid residues, conferring a net negative charge at physiological pH.
The concise sequence of Epitalon allows it to penetrate nuclear envelopes and interact directly with specific regions of genomic DNA. In structural biology studies, researchers have noted that short bioregulatory peptides like Epitalon can bind to the promoter regions of genes, facilitating the unwinding of heterochromatin into transcriptionally active euchromatin.
When stored in its lyophilized state, Epitalon exhibits exceptional chemical stability due to the absence of easily oxidizable amino acid residues such as methionine or cysteine. Researchers can review detailed chemical properties and stability profiles across our full catalog in the PX1 research library hub.
The primary mechanism of action associated with Epitalon center on its capacity to activate telomerase—the ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase responsible for adding telomeric repeats (TTAGGG) to the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. In human somatic cells, telomerase expression is typically repressed, leading to progressive telomere shortening with each cell division.
Preclinical studies suggest that Epitalon induces the transcription of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) catalytic subunit gene. By promoting hTERT expression, the peptide facilitates the restoration of telomeric repeat sequences, thereby preserving chromosomal cap stability during DNA replication cycles in vitro.
Furthermore, epigenetic investigations indicate that Epitalon promotes site-specific DNA demethylation and histone modifications. By altering chromatin accessibility around specific promoter regions, Epitalon permits transcription factor binding to genes responsible for antioxidant enzyme synthesis, cellular survival, and cell-cycle checkpoint regulation.
In vitro assays utilizing human fetal fibroblast cultures demonstrate that exposure to Epitalon can overcome the classical Hayflick limit of cellular division. Fibroblasts cultured with Epitalon exhibited an increase in proliferative capacity alongside measurable extension of mean telomere length, compared to untreated control lines.
In rodent models of accelerated aging, administration of Epitalon was associated with a reduction in chromosomal aberrations and a decrease in spontaneous tumor formation. Investigators observed preserved tissue architecture in cardiac, hepatic, and nervous system tissues, which correlated with suppressed markers of oxidative stress.
For detailed mechanistic analyses of short-chain peptides and their impact on cellular longevity markers, explore our focused analysis on epitalon telomerase research within the scientific knowledge base.
Beyond telomerase activation, Epitalon plays a critical role in neuroendocrine research focused on the pineal gland. The pineal gland synthesizes melatonin in a distinct circadian pattern, regulated by light-dark cycles. As organisms age, pineal melatonin output diminishes significantly due to calcification and cellular degeneration.
Preclinical non-human primate and rodent studies demonstrate that Epitalon application restores nocturnal melatonin synthesis toward physiological baseline levels in aging subjects. This effect is mediated through enhanced transcription of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), the rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis.
By stabilizing pineal neuroendocrine output, Epitalon has become a central tool in research examining circadian clock gene expression (such as CLOCK, BMAL1, and PER2) and its downstream impact on systemic metabolic homeostasis.
To contextualize Epitalon within the broader landscape of bioregulatory molecules, researchers frequently contrast its activity against other short-chain peptides and longevity-focused compounds. While Epitalon specifically targets telomerase expression and pineal function, adjacent peptides act through distinct physiological pathways.
For instance, Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) evaluated primarily for neuroprotective effects and cellular respiration within central nervous system tissue. In contrast, Thymalin is a thymus-derived bioregulator investigated for its capacity to modulate T-cell differentiation and restore cell-mediated immune responses in immunosenescent models.
Another widely referenced target is GHK-Cu, a copper-binding tripeptide recognized for its gene-modulating effects on tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and wound repair cascades. While GHK-Cu acts predominantly on extracellular matrix dynamics, Epitalon operates directly at the genomic and telomeric levels. For a comprehensive comparison of class mechanisms, consult our review of bioregulator peptides overview.
Achieving consistent, reproducible experimental outcomes requires strict adherence to laboratory handling protocols when working with an epitalon (epithalon) 10mg/20mg vial. Lyophilized Epitalon should be stored upon receipt at -20°C in a desiccated environment to prevent moisture absorption and enzymatic degradation.
For reconstitution, laboratory technicians should introduce sterile Bacteriostatic Water or sterile physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) slowly along the inner glass wall of the vial. Direct high-pressure jetting onto the lyophilized cake should be avoided to prevent mechanical shear stress on the peptide backbone. Gentle swirling—never vigorous shaking—ensures complete dissolution.
Once reconstituted, stock solutions should be aliquoted into single-use polypropylene microtubes to eliminate freeze-thaw cycles, which degrade peptide integrity over time. Reconstituted aliquots are stable at 4°C for short-term experimental series (up to 30 days) or at -80°C for extended storage up to several months. Detailed guidelines are outlined in our peptide reconstitution guide.
Experimental reproducibility relies entirely on the chemical purity and precise composition of research reagents. PX1 Research subjects every batch of Epitalon to rigorous analytical testing within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory environment prior to release.
Purity is verified using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), ensuring a minimum purity threshold of 98.0%. Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) confirms the precise molecular mass and rules out deletion sequences or incomplete synthesis byproducts. Each batch is accompanied by a downloadable, lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Additionally, because biological assays can be corrupted by bacterial contaminants, PX1 Research measures endotoxin levels via Chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing, guaranteeing endotoxin levels fall strictly below <0.01 EU/mg. This level of verification prevents confounding inflammatory responses in cell culture assays.
PX1 Research operates strictly as a supplier of high-purity research chemicals to academic institutions, biotechnology companies, and independent laboratory investigators. Epitalon supplied in 10mg and 20mg vial formats is labeled exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research applications.
All products are synthesized in GMP-compliant facilities located in the United States and dispatched directly from primary fulfillment centers in California and Arizona. Orders placed before cut-off times are processed for same-day dispatch (Monday through Friday) to maintain cold-chain continuity and supply chain efficiency.
Principal investigators and procurement officers interested in volume sourcing, standing institutional orders, or customized packaging configurations can establish formal accounts through our wholesale lab portal.
What is an Epitalon (Epithalon) 10mg/20mg vial used for in laboratory research?
An Epitalon 10mg/20mg vial contains lyophilized research-grade tetrapeptide used in preclinical assays to investigate telomerase activation, telomere length dynamics, cellular senescence, and pineal gland melatonin synthesis.
What is the amino acid sequence and molecular weight of Epitalon?
Epitalon has the chemical sequence L-alanyl-L-glutamyl-L-aspartyl-glycine (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) with a molecular formula of C16H26N4O9 and a molecular weight of approximately 390.35 g/mol.
How should lyophilized Epitalon vials be stored upon delivery?
Lyophilized Epitalon should be stored at -20°C in a dry environment away from light. Under these conditions, the powder remains stable for up to 24 months.
What diluent is recommended for reconstituting Epitalon for cell culture work?
For standard laboratory protocols, sterile Bacteriostatic Water or sterile 0.9% Normal Saline is recommended. The diluent should be added slowly down the vial side to avoid excessive foaming or shear stress.
How does PX1 Research verify the purity of Epitalon?
PX1 Research verifies purity via RP-HPLC and identity via Mass Spectrometry in ISO 17025 accredited labs, guaranteeing ≥98% purity. Every lot includes a downloadable Certificate of Analysis and endotoxin testing results (<0.01 EU/mg).
What is the difference between 10mg and 20mg vial options?
The 10mg and 20mg options contain the exact same ultra-pure Epitalon peptide sequence; the choice depends on total experimental scale, required working concentrations, and planned assay volume.
Is Epitalon approved for human medical use or administration?
No. Epitalon is a research compound restricted strictly to laboratory in vitro and preclinical research. It is not approved by the FDA for therapeutic, clinical, diagnostic, or human consumption applications.
Where is PX1 Research Epitalon manufactured and shipped from?
PX1 Research peptides are manufactured in US-based, GMP-compliant facilities and shipped directly from fulfillment centers in California and Arizona with same-day dispatch 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.