Epitalon

Epitalon is the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, studied in cell cultures, animal models and computational work on peptide biology.

Identity

Sequence

H-AEDG-OH

Residues

4

Molecular formula

C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉

Average molecular weight

390.35 g/mol

Monoisotopic mass (calculated)

390.1387 Da

CAS number

307297-39-8

PubChem CID

219042

Strengths

10–50 mg

Other names

Epithalon · Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly · AEDG peptide

Identity data from: PubChem CID 219042

Research overview

Epitalon, also written Epithalon, is a tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. A review describes its synthesis based on the amino-acid composition of a bovine pineal gland extract, followed by its identification in a pineal polypeptide preparation [1]. The recorded sequence is linear, with free amino and carboxyl termini. Although the review brings together a substantial biological literature, it notes that physicochemical and structural investigations of the peptide remain comparatively limited [1].

The same review covers cell-culture, animal and computational studies conducted over 25 years. It discusses mitogenic activity in mouse thymocytes, interleukin-2 messenger RNA and enzyme activity. The enzymes named in its account include acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and telomerase. The authors also consider research on melatonin synthesis and note that the full range of the peptide’s molecular interactions remains unresolved [1].

A separate paper examined the breast cancer cell lines 21NT and BT474 alongside normal epithelial cells and fibroblasts. DNA, RNA and proteins were extracted from the cells. Researchers used quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence to investigate telomere length and associated molecular pathways. They reported telomere extension associated with increased hTERT expression and telomerase activity in normal cells, whereas alternative lengthening of telomeres, abbreviated ALT, was implicated in the cancer cells [2].

Laboratory storage and handling

Keep the peptide in a sealed vial under the storage conditions specified for its lot, protected from moisture and light. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation on the solid. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of laboratory stocks, and retain the lot identifier and storage record with experimental notes. Wear standard laboratory protective equipment and follow the accompanying material documentation.

Questions about Epitalon

References

1. Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2025. PMID 40141333
2. Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity. Biogerontology 2025. PMID 40908429

Identity data checked on 2026-09-24. Literature summaries describe published research models and are not specifications of any product lot.