Epithalon

Epithalon (also written Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide related to the pineal extract epithalamin. It is studied in research on telomerase, gene expression and circadian signaling.

Research applications

Epithalon is used in laboratory studies of telomerase activity, gene promoter interactions, melatonin-related signaling and fibroblast behavior. Published work has also examined it in rodent tumor and lifespan models. This product is sold for laboratory research use only.

Pathway and mechanistic context

In vitro work reports that the peptide is associated with telomerase activity and telomere length in human somatic cells. Cell-culture studies describe interactions with gene promoter regions such as CD5, IL-2, MMP2 and Tram1, and with AANAT and pCREB, which are involved in melatonin synthesis.

Preclinical summary

Studies in mice, rats and fruit flies have recorded lifespan and spontaneous tumor incidence. Rodent and primate work has looked at melatonin rhythm, skin-cell activity and retinal structure. These are laboratory and model findings and do not describe effects in people.

Form and analytical testing

Supplied as a lyophilized powder. Identity and purity are normally confirmed by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Refer to the Certificate of Analysis for the lot you receive.

References

1. V. N. Anisimov, S. V. Mylnikov, and V. K. Khavinson, “Pineal peptide preparation epithalamin increases the lifespan of fruit flies, mice and rats,” Mech. Ageing Dev., vol. 103, no. 2, pp. 123–132, Jun. 1998. Source
2. V. K. Khavinson, I. E. Bondarev, and A. A. Butyugov, “Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 135, no. 6, pp. 590–592, Jun. 2003. Source
3. V. N. Anisimov et al., “Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice,” Biogerontology, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 193–202, 2003. Source
4. V. K. Khavinson, S. I. Tarnovskaya, N. S. Linkova, V. E. Pronyaeva, L. K. Shataeva, and P. P. Yakutseni, “Short cell-penetrating peptides: a model of interactions with gene promoter sites,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 154, no. 3, pp. 403–410, Jan. 2013. Source
5. V. K. Khavinson, L. K. Shataeva, and A. A. Chernova, “Effect of regulatory peptides on gene transcription,” Bull. Exp. Biol. Med., vol. 136, no. 3, pp. 288–290, Sep. 2003. Source
6. V. Khavinson, M. Razumovsky, S. Trofimova, R. Grigorian, and A. Razumovskaya, “Pineal-regulating tetrapeptide epitalon improves eye retina condition in retinitis pigmentosa,” Neuro Endocrinol. Lett., vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 365–368, Aug. 2002. Source

Peptides are shipped lyophilized (freeze-dried), a state that keeps them stable in transit. Keep vials cold and away from light on arrival.

• Short term: refrigeration below 4°C (39°F) is generally suitable for lyophilized material held for days to months.
• Long term: a freezer at -80°C (-112°F) is preferred for storage over several months or years.
• After reconstitution: keep the vial refrigerated. Reconstituted material is generally kept for up to 30 days.