N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate 20mg/Vial
N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate 20mg/vial is a chemically modified synthetic pineal tetrapeptide derivative engineered for superior enzymatic stability in laboratory assays. Featuring N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation, this peptide bioregulator is actively investigated in cell culture and preclinical animal models for telomerase gene expression, telomere maintenance, and circadian endocrine signaling.
Quick answer
N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate 20mg/vial is a chemically modified synthetic pineal tetrapeptide derivative engineered for superior enzymatic stability in laboratory assays. Featuring N-terminal acetylation and C-terminal amidation, this peptide bioregulator is actively investigated in cell culture and preclinical animal models for telomerase gene expression, telomere maintenance, and circadian endocrine signaling.
Key takeaways
- N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate (N-Ace-Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly-NH2) is a modified synthetic short-chain peptide derived from the native pineal bioregulator peptide Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly).
- The primary mechanism of action associated with N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate centers on its role as a short peptide bioregulator capable of direct nuclear translocation and sequence-specific chromatin binding.
- In cell culture models of human fetal lung fibroblasts and adult dermal fibroblasts, exposure to N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate has demonstrated a statistically significant extension of the Hayflick limit—the maximum number of cell divisions a somatic population can undergo before entering permanent growth arrest.
- Epitalon and its N-acetyl amidated derivative were originally developed based on research examining pineal gland extracts (epithalamin) and their capacity to restore age-associated neuroendocrine decline.
Chemical Structure and Enzymatic Modifications of N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate
N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate (N-Ace-Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly-NH2) is a modified synthetic short-chain peptide derived from the native pineal bioregulator peptide Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). In its standard form, Epitalon acts as a peptide bioregulator that targets chromatin organization and gene expression. However, unmodified short peptides face rapid enzymatic cleavage in physiological and biological media by endogenous exopeptidases, specifically aminopeptidases at the N-terminus and carboxypeptidases at the C-terminus.
To mitigate proteolytic degradation during extended in vitro cellular assays and in vivo preclinical studies, synthetic chemists introduce dual terminal modifications: an N-acetyl cap and a C-terminal amide group. The N-terminal acetylation neutralizes the free amine, effectively shielding the peptide bond from aminopeptidase cleavage. Concurrently, C-terminal amidation converts the carboxylic acid group into an amide, blocking carboxypeptidase activity. These targeted structural alterations significantly increase the peptide's biological half-life in laboratory assays without impairing its affinity for nuclear targets or chromatin interaction sites.
Available from PX1 Research as a lyophilized powder in a n-acetyl-epitalon-amidate-20mg-vial, this compound provides researchers with a stable, highly reproducible chemical standard for testing ultra-long exposure conditions in telomerase, cellular senescence, and epigenetic assays.
Molecular Mechanism of Action: Epigenetic Regulation and Telomerase Induction
The primary mechanism of action associated with N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate centers on its role as a short peptide bioregulator capable of direct nuclear translocation and sequence-specific chromatin binding. Preclinical data indicate that low-molecular-weight peptide bioregulators penetrate both plasma and nuclear membranes without requiring dedicated cell-surface receptor transporters. Once inside the nucleus, the tetrapeptide interacts directly with histone proteins and specific promoter regions of DNA.
In vitro assays using human somatic cell lines show that N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate induces the expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene. Telomerase is the ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for adding TTAGGG repeats to the 3' ends of chromosome ends (telomeres), counteracting the end-replication problem inherent to somatic cell division. By stimulating hTERT mRNA transcription, the peptide facilitates catalytic telomerase assembly, promoting telomere elongation and preventing premature transition into replicative senescence.
Beyond telomerase activation, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays suggest that N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate triggers decondensation of pericentromeric heterochromatin. This structural unraveling exposes silent gene promoters, modulating the transcription of proteins involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis, antioxidant defense, and cellular repair mechanisms.
Preclinical Research Overview: Telomere Maintenance and Cellular Senescence
In cell culture models of human fetal lung fibroblasts and adult dermal fibroblasts, exposure to N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate has demonstrated a statistically significant extension of the Hayflick limit—the maximum number of cell divisions a somatic population can undergo before entering permanent growth arrest. Control cultures typically demonstrate progressive telomere shortening accompanied by elevated expression of senescence markers such as beta-galactosidase and p16INK4a. Conversely, cultures treated with the modified tetrapeptide maintain elongated telomeric DNA overhangs and diminished senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) markers.
Animal studies involving aging rodent models further corroborate these cellular findings. In accelerated aging mice and senescent rats, administration of synthetic pineal tetrapeptides resulted in preserved telomere length across multiple tissue types, including cardiac muscle, liver parenchyma, and splenocytes. Furthermore, researchers noted a reduction in baseline double-strand DNA breaks (measured via gamma-H2AX foci counts), suggesting that N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate enhances intrinsic DNA damage response and genomic stability.
Investigative research published across peer-reviewed literature highlights that the dual-capped variant maintains elevated bioactive tissue concentrations compared to parent molecules, requiring lower molar concentrations to achieve equivalent hTERT gene upregulation in experimental models.
Pineal Gland Function and Circadian Rhythm Normalization in Laboratory Models
Epitalon and its N-acetyl amidated derivative were originally developed based on research examining pineal gland extracts (epithalamin) and their capacity to restore age-associated neuroendocrine decline. The pineal gland plays a central role in vertebrate chronobiology, regulating circadian oscillations through the pulsed synthesis and release of melatonin.
In rodent models subjected to constant light conditions or advanced age-related pineal atrophy, treatment with N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate restored physiological nighttime melatonin secretion profiles. Preclinical assays demonstrate that the peptide upregulates key enzymes in the melatonin biosynthesis pathway, including serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) within pinealocytes.
This circadian re-entrainment extends to peripheral clock gene networks. In vitro tissue slices from liver and hypothalamic SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) regions treated with the compound displayed restored amplitude in the expression of core clock genes, including CLOCK, BMAL1, PER2, and CRY1. These findings make the compound a valuable research tool for studying sleep architecture disruption, metabolic desynchrony, and neuroendocrine aging in controlled laboratory environments.
Comparative Analysis: N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate vs. Short-Chain Bioregulators
When evaluating synthetic peptide bioregulators for longevity and cellular degradation research, laboratory investigators often contrast N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate with other prominent short-chain peptides within our comprehensive all research peptides catalog. Understanding these structural and functional differences is crucial for selecting the appropriate compound for specific assay protocols.
Standard unmodified Epitalon 10mg shares the exact same amino acid sequence (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) but lacks terminal protection. While standard Epitalon is well-characterized in historical literature, its unmodified terminals subject it to rapid hydrolysis by serum peptidases, often requiring higher dosing frequencies in aqueous media. In contrast, N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate exhibits markedly extended enzymatic resistance, enabling longer incubation windows in continuous cell cultures.
Another distinct class includes tripeptide bioregulators like Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg), which selectively targets neuronal chromatin to stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis without directly activating telomerase. Similarly, immunomodulatory bioregulators such as Thymalin act primarily on T-cell differentiation pathways within the thymic cortex. Researchers focusing specifically on chromosome end preservation, hTERT expression, and cellular life-span extension routinely select N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate over tissue-specific tripeptides due to its direct action on telomeric DNA complexes.
Laboratory Reconstitution and Handling Protocols for 20mg Vials
To preserve chemical integrity and prevent premature hydrolysis, N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate is supplied by PX1 Research as a vacuum-sealed lyophilized cake containing 20mg of purified peptide. Reconstitution must be performed strictly within a certified laminar flow hood or biosafety cabinet using sterile, aseptic laboratory techniques.
For standard cell culture and biochemical protocols, sterile Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI) is recommended as the diluent. For sensitive cell culture systems where benzyl alcohol may induce cytotoxicity, sterile 0.9% Normal Saline or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) should be utilized.
Slowly introduce 1.0 mL to 2.0 mL of chosen diluent along the inner glass wall of the vial to minimize aggressive turbulence and foaming. Allow the lyophilized cake to naturally dissolve; do not vortex or aggressively shake the vial, as mechanical shear stress can disrupt peptide molecular structure. Once fully dissolved, gentle swirling yields a clear, colorless solution ready for volumetric pipetting into experimental media or biological assays. Detailed laboratory handling guidelines are accessible through our central research hub.
Chemical Stability, Lyophilization Quality, and Storage Specifications
Lyophilized N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate exhibits excellent long-term chemical stability when stored under controlled environmental conditions. Lyophilization removes moisture content down to <3%, significantly retarding non-enzymatic hydrolytic degradation pathways.
For un-reconstituted 20mg vials, store in a dedicated laboratory freezer at -20°C for up to 24 months, or at -80°C for extended archival storage up to 36 months. Protect the vials from light exposure by maintaining them in light-impermeable secondary packaging.
Once reconstituted into aqueous solution, the peptide's shelf-life depends heavily on temperature and pH. Aliquot the working solution into single-use microcentrifuge tubes to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which degrade peptide purity. Reconstituted aqueous aliquots remain stable at 2°C to 8°C for up to 28 days when prepared with bacteriostatic water. For long-term liquid storage, freeze aliquots immediately at -20°C or -80°C, where stability is maintained for up to 6 months.
Analytical Verification: RP-HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, and Endotoxin Testing
Quality assurance in laboratory research demands rigorous chemical characterization to prevent experimental artifacts caused by sequence impurities, truncated synthesis fragments, or endotoxin contamination. PX1 Research subjects every production lot of N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate to exhaustive analytical validation at accredited independent laboratories.
Purity is quantified using Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). A single, sharp chromatographic peak must demonstrate a chemical purity profile exceeding 98.0%, confirming the absence of un-capped baseline peptides, failure sequences, or residual protecting groups. Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is simultaneously conducted to confirm exact molecular weight and isotopic mass distribution, matching the theoretical monoisotopic mass of the dual-modified peptide.
Because biological assays—particularly immune cell cultures and primary tissue models—are highly sensitive to bacterial pyrogens, every lot undergoes chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) testing. PX1 Research enforces a strict endotoxin threshold of <0.01 EU/mg, ensuring that observed cellular responses are driven entirely by the peptide bioregulator rather than inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contaminants.
USA Manufacturing and Quality Infrastructure at PX1 Research
PX1 Research is dedicated to supplying the scientific community with reference-grade research peptides synthesized under stringent quality control standards. All peptide production takes place in state-of-the-art cGMP-compliant manufacturing facilities located within the United States.
Our analytical testing protocols are performed in ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratories, providing verifiable, batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) accessible via lot numbers printed directly on every vial label. Each COA documents RP-HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, residual solvent analysis, and endotoxin quantitation.
To ensure continuous supply chain integrity for academic institutions, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations, PX1 Research maintains centralized inventory management with same-day dispatch (Monday through Friday) operating out of dual fulfillment hubs in California and Arizona. For institutional procurement and high-throughput screening projects, custom batch sizes and bulk pricing arrangements are available through our wholesale portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary structural difference between Epitalon and N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate?
N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate features an N-terminal acetyl group and a C-terminal amide group added to the standard Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptide sequence. These dual modifications block aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase degradation, significantly increasing enzymatic stability in laboratory assays.
What molecular target does N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate interact with in cell cultures?
Preclinical studies demonstrate that N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate translocates to the cell nucleus, binding to specific DNA sequence regions and pericentromeric heterochromatin to induce expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene.
How should N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate 20mg be reconstituted for in vitro work?
Reconstitute under aseptic conditions using sterile Bacteriostatic Water, SWFI, or sterile 0.9% Normal Saline. Gently drip 1.0 to 2.0 mL of diluent down the inner vial wall and allow it to dissolve completely without vortexing or vigorous shaking.
What analytical documentation is provided with PX1 Research peptides?
Every lot of N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate is accompanied by a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) containing RP-HPLC chromatograms verifying >98% purity, LC-MS mass confirmation, and LAL endotoxin testing showing <0.01 EU/mg.
What are the recommended long-term storage conditions for the 20mg lyophilized vial?
Un-reconstituted lyophilized vials should be stored at -20°C or -80°C in a dry environment protected from light, where they remain stable for 24 to 36 months.
How long is reconstituted N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate stable in liquid form?
When reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and stored at 2°C to 8°C, liquid solutions remain stable for up to 28 days. Aliquots stored frozen at -20°C or -80°C retain integrity for up to 6 months.
Why is endotoxin testing critical for bioregulator peptide research?
Bacterial endotoxins (LPS) cause severe inflammatory responses and gene expression shifts in primary cell cultures and animal models, confounding experimental data. PX1 Research mandates endotoxin limits <0.01 EU/mg to eliminate pyrogen-induced baseline noise.
Is N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate approved for human clinical use or consumption?
No. N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate is a chemical research compound strictly limited to laboratory research, in vitro assays, and preclinical animal models. It is not intended for human or animal therapeutic, diagnostic, or clinical applications.
Related pages
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.