Epitalon
Also known as Epithalon · Epithalone · AEDG peptide · Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Epitalon (AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on the amino-acid composition of the pineal extract epithalamin.
The overview
What is Epitalon?
Epitalon (AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on the amino-acid composition of the pineal extract epithalamin. In vitro, fluorescently labeled AEDG penetrates the cytoplasm and nucleus of cultured cells (e.g., HeLa) and shows sequence-specific binding to deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA, supporting a proposed epigenetic mode of action at the chromatin level. In telomerase-negative human fetal fibroblast cultures, addition of the peptide is reported to induce expression of the catalytic subunit (hTERT), increase telomerase enzymatic activity (TRAP assay), and extend telomere length; in some cancer cell lines telomere elongation has been attributed to alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The peptide also modulates transcription and protein synthesis, increasing mRNA and protein levels of neurogenic differentiation markers (Nestin, GAP43, beta-Tubulin III, Doublecortin) in cultured human mesenchymal stem cells, and altering IL-2 mRNA and antioxidant-related readouts in model systems. Defined membrane-receptor/second-messenger signaling pathways remain incompletely characterized; current models emphasize direct peptide-DNA/histone interaction and gene-expression modulation rather than a canonical receptor.
In the research
Where Epitalon shows up
The areas researchers focus on with Epitalon - and why it has the science community paying attention.
- In-vitro telomerase (hTERT) regulation and telomere-length dynamics in cultured human cell lines
- Peptide-DNA / peptide-histone binding and proposed epigenetic gene-expression modulation
- Transcriptional and translational regulation of neurogenic differentiation markers in stem-cell culture models
- Antioxidant and free-radical readouts in cell and invertebrate model systems
- Cellular models of replicative senescence and gerontology research
By the numbers
The facts that matter
To the molecule
Molecular specifications
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)Sourced, not claimed
The science behind it
The peer-reviewed studies behind Epitalon, linked so you can read them yourself.
- Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA (2003). Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine.
“Addition of Epithalon peptide in telomerase-negative human fetal fibroblast culture induced expression of the catalytical subunit, enzymatic activity of telomerase”
- Khavinson V, Diomede F, Mironova E, Linkova N, Trofimova S, Trubiani O, Caputi S, Sinjari B (2020). AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis: Possible Epigenetic Mechanism Molecules.
“AEDG peptide increased Nestin, GAP43, beta Tubulin III and Doublecortin mRNA expression by 1.6-1.8 times in hGMSCs”
- Fedoreyeva LI, Kireev II, Khavinson VKh, Vanyushin BF (2011). Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells and in vitro specific interaction of the peptides with deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA Biochemistry (Moscow).
“marked fluorescence in cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus was observed in HeLa cells after incubation with each of the fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peptides”
- Araj SK, Brzezik J, Madra-Gackowska K, Szeleszczuk L (2025). Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
“Epitalon elicited elevated IL-2 mRNA levels just after 5 h”
- Al-dulaimi S, Thomas R, Matta S, Roberts T (2025). Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity Biogerontology.
“dose-dependent telomere length extension in normal cells through hTERT and telomerase upregulation”
Straight answers
Questions, answered
Is Epitalon approved by the FDA?
No. Epitalon is not an FDA-approved drug. We supply it as a research-use-only reference compound, identity-verified for purity with a COA on every vial.
What class of compound is Epitalon?
Epitalon is classified as: Synthetic linear tetrapeptide (Khavinson pineal bioregulator / short biologically active peptide).
What is the molecular weight of Epitalon?
The molecular weight of Epitalon is 390.35 g/mol, with a molecular formula of C14H22N4O9.
What is the CAS number for Epitalon?
The CAS Registry Number for Epitalon is 307297-39-8.
What is the amino acid sequence of Epitalon?
Epitalon has the sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG).
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For in-vitro laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Bodily introduction into humans or animals is strictly prohibited by law. Epitalon is not a drug and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.