Epithalon

Overview

Epithalon (also known as Epitalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural pineal gland peptide Epithalamin, discovered by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson. This four-amino acid sequence (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) represents the active fragment of the larger Epithalamin complex and has been extensively studied for its effects on telomerase activity and cellular aging.

Epithalon is one of the few known compounds that has demonstrated the ability to activate telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) — the catalytic component of telomerase responsible for maintaining telomere length. This property has positioned it as a key research tool in the fields of biogerontology and cellular senescence.

Chemical Profile

Mechanism of Action

Epithalon's primary mechanism involves the activation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic subunit of the telomerase enzyme complex. Telomerase synthesizes telomeric DNA repeats (TTAGGG in humans) at chromosome ends, counteracting the progressive telomere shortening that occurs with each cell division.

The peptide promotes hTERT gene expression through interactions with transcription factors that regulate the hTERT promoter. By maintaining telomere length above the critical threshold that triggers cellular senescence, Epithalon may extend the replicative lifespan of somatic cells.

Additionally, Epithalon influences pineal gland function, promoting melatonin synthesis and secretion. This effect on the pineal gland may contribute to circadian rhythm regulation and the broader neuroendocrine functions associated with aging.

Research Applications

• Telomerase activation and telomere biology
• Telomere elongation in somatic cells
• Pineal gland function and melatonin secretion
• Anti-aging and cellular senescence research
• Circadian rhythm regulation
• Biogerontology and longevity studies
• hTERT gene expression regulation

Handling & Reconstitution

1. 1Allow the vial and sterile water to reach room temperature (15–25°C).
2. 2Using a sterile syringe, withdraw the appropriate volume of sterile water.
3. 3Inject the water slowly along the inside wall of the vial — do not spray directly onto the powder.
4. 4Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously.
5. 5Once reconstituted, store at 2°C – 8°C. Protect from light.
6. 6Use within 28 days after reconstitution.
7. 7Do not freeze reconstituted solution.