What is Epithalon?

Epithalon (also known as epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. The peptide was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, based on research into the regulatory functions of the pineal gland.

The peptide is derived from studies of pineal polypeptide extracts and represents a minimal active sequence capable of influencing cellular ageing processes. Epithalon has been extensively studied in the context of cellular senescence and biological rhythm regulation.

For UK research laboratories, epithalon serves as a reference compound for studies examining peptide-based regulation of cellular ageing, telomere biology, and the relationship between biological rhythms and cellular senescence in controlled in vitro environments.

Epithalon operates through the following mechanisms in research models:

Telomerase Activity — In cellular models, epithalon has been studied for its effects on telomerase activity. The peptide may influence the expression or activity of telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length during cell division.

Cellular Senescence — Epithalon affects markers of cellular senescence in cell culture models. The peptide influences the expression of senescence-associated genes and proteins, potentially modulating the rate of cellular ageing in vitro.

Cell Cycle Regulation — Studies indicate epithalon may influence cell cycle progression in various cell types. The peptide affects the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins and may promote proliferation in certain cellular contexts.

Gene Expression — Epithalon modulates the expression of multiple genes involved in cellular metabolism, stress resistance, and ageing processes. The peptide affects transcription factors and signalling pathways related to cellular maintenance and repair.

Melatonin Synthesis — In pinealocyte cultures, epithalon has been studied for its effects on melatonin synthesis and circadian rhythm regulation, reflecting its origins in pineal gland research.

Epithalon is employed across multiple research domains in UK laboratories:

Cellular Senescence Research — Fibroblast and epithelial cell models examine epithalon's effects on senescence markers, including senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, p16INK4a expression, and telomere length dynamics.

Telomere Biology — Telomerase activity assays and telomere length measurements in cell culture models examine epithalon's effects on telomere maintenance.

Biological Rhythm Studies — Pinealocyte and suprachiasmatic nucleus cell cultures examine epithalon's effects on circadian gene expression and melatonin production.

Longevity Research — Cellular models of chronological ageing examine epithalon's effects on cellular stress resistance, metabolic function, and maintenance of proliferative capacity.

Comparative Regulatory Peptides — Epithalon is compared to other peptide bioregulators in cellular assays examining ageing-related markers and gene expression.

Epithalon is supplied as a lyophilised powder. Standard laboratory preparation:

• Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) recommended for reconstitution
• Typical concentrations: 1–10 mg/mL depending on assay requirements
• Solubility: The tetrapeptide is highly soluble in aqueous solutions; gentle vortexing aids dissolution
• pH: Maintain solutions at pH 6.0–7.5

• Lyophilised powder: −20°C, protected from light
• Reconstituted solution: 2–8°C, protected from light
• Stability: 7–14 days under refrigeration; aliquot and freeze at −20°C for extended studies
• Avoid: Repeated freeze-thaw cycles