Epithalon: Aging Research Overview

Telomerase activation: Epithalon's proposed mechanism — extending telomeres at c

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland peptide Epithalamin. It has been studied primarily in the context of telomerase activity and cellular aging research. This article provides a research-only overview.

Chemical Identity

Epithalon has the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). Its molecular weight is approximately 390.3 Da. It is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory reconstitution.

Telomerase Research

The primary research interest in Epithalon relates to its potential effect on telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. Telomere shortening is associated with cellular senescence and aging. Research contexts include:

• Telomerase activation studies — in vitro assays measuring telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression
• Telomere length measurement — qPCR-based telomere length analysis in cell culture models
• Senescence markers — p16, p21, and SA-β-gal expression in aging cell models

Research Applications

Cellular Aging Models

Epithalon has been studied in fibroblast and epithelial cell aging models, examining telomere dynamics and replicative senescence. Key research questions include whether Epithalon influences TERT expression and whether this translates to measurable changes in telomere maintenance.

Pineal Gland Research

As a derivative of Epithalamin (a pineal gland extract), Epithalon has been studied in the context of pineal function and melatonin regulation in endocrine research models.

Immune System Research

Some research has examined Epithalon's effects on immune cell markers and thymic function in aging models, given the pineal-thymus axis hypothesis.

Sourcing Epithalon for Research

• Purity — see lot COA (HPLC/MS); no catalog-wide %
• Sequence confirmation — mass spec on COA
• Storage — -20°C, protect from light
• Lot documentation — request COA before purchase

Epithalon vs. Other Longevity Research Peptides

Epithalon is often compared with other peptides studied in aging research. Unlike NAD+ (a coenzyme for sirtuins) or MOTS-c (a mitochondrial-derived peptide), Epithalon's proposed mechanism involves telomerase. Each targets different pathways in aging research. See our Epithalon listing, NAD+, and MOTS-c for details.