Epithalon
[CAS# 307297-39-8]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Inhibitor >> DNA damage >> Telomerase inhibitor
• Name: Epithalon
• Synonyms: L-Alanyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-alpha-aspartylglycine; 9: PN: WO02090380 PAGE: 55 claimed protein; Epithalon
• Protein Sequence: AEDG
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉
• Molecular Weight: 390.35
• CAS Registry Number: 307297-39-8
• SMILES: C[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)NCC(=O)O)N

Properties

• Solubility: Freely soluble (999 g/L) (25 ºC), Calc.^*
• Density: 1.466±0.06 g/cm³ (20 ºC 760 Torr), Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software V11.02 (©1994-2014 ACD/Labs)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H302-H312-H332
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P312-P330-P362-P403+P233-P501

Discovory and Applicatios

Epithalon, also known as Epitalon, is a synthetic peptide derived from a natural compound discovered by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson in the 1980s. The compound, a tetrapeptide, was isolated from the pineal gland of cattle and has since been synthesized for research and therapeutic use. Composed of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine, Epithalon mimics the activity of the natural pineal peptide Epithalamin.

Epithalon works by regulating the production of telomerase, an enzyme that is essential for maintaining and repairing telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres shorten with age, leading to cellular senescence and aging. By promoting telomerase activity, Epithalon helps maintain telomere length, potentially slowing cellular aging and extending cellular lifespan.

Epithalon has attracted attention for its potential anti-aging properties. Studies have shown that it can improve a variety of age-related diseases and enhance overall health. Studies in animal models and human trials have shown benefits such as increased lifespan, improved immune function, and increased resistance to age-related diseases.

In clinical settings, Epithalon is being intensively studied for its role in combating age-related diseases. For example, it shows potential in improving cardiovascular health, regulating circadian rhythms, and reducing cancer risk. Its effects on telomerase also make it a candidate for supporting regenerative therapies and cellular repair mechanisms.

The ability of this peptide to affect telomerase has important implications for cancer research. While telomerase activation can support normal cellular health, uncontrolled activation is a hallmark of many cancers. Therefore, understanding and modulating the effects of Epithalon could aid cancer treatments that could balance its benefits to healthy cells with its oncological risks.

From its discovery in the bovine pineal gland to its synthetic form, Epithalon represents a major advance in peptide research with promising applications in anti-aging and regenerative medicine.

References

2020. AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis: Possible Epigenetic Mechanism, _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 25(3)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030609

2017, Identification of Peptide AEDG in the Polypeptide Complex of the Pineal Gland, _Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine_, 163(6)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-017-3922-8

2001, Regulatory Effect of Epithalon on Production of Melatonin and Cortisol in Old Monkeys, _Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine_, 131(4)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1017928925177