Blog
Epithalon: The Telomerase-Activating Tetrapeptide
Epithalon: The Telomerase-Activating Tetrapeptide
Last updated June 2026 · Clean Reference Format
Summary
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a tetrapeptide — Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), ~390 Da — originally isolated from pineal gland extracts by Khavinson’s research group. Its primary documented effect is telomerase activation in human fibroblasts, leading to telomere elongation and extended replicative lifespan beyond the Hayflick limit. It also modulates melatonin secretion in aged pineal glands. It is among the smallest bioactive peptides characterized with a specific molecular mechanism in human somatic cells.
Mechanism
Epithalon upregulates TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) gene expression in human somatic cells → increases telomerase enzymatic activity → adds TTAGGG telomeric repeats to chromosome ends → elongates telomeres → extends replicative lifespan beyond the Hayflick limit. Additionally, as a pineal-derived regulatory peptide, Epithalon supports nocturnal melatonin biosynthesis in aged pineal glands.
Key Data
- Khavinson et al. (2003): Epithalon activated telomerase in human fibroblasts as measured by TRAP assay, with resultant telomere elongation.
- Treated fibroblasts continued proliferating beyond the normal Hayflick limit (40–60 divisions), while untreated controls entered senescence.
- Animal studies reported increased mean and maximum lifespan in Epithalon-treated aging mice.
- Aged rats treated with Epithalon showed restored nocturnal melatonin secretion patterns resembling younger animals.
- Pineal gland morphology was improved in treated aged animals compared to untreated controls.
At a Glance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) |
| Length | 4 amino acids (tetrapeptide) |
| MW | ~390 Da |
| Origin | Pineal gland extracts |
| Primary Target | TERT gene / telomerase enzyme |
| Secondary Effect | Melatonin secretion modulation |
| Key Researcher | Prof. Vladimir Khavinson (St. Petersburg) |
Access Epithalon for Research
≥99% purity · HPLC/MS verified · Available for qualified research applications.
All content for research and educational purposes only. Epithalon is not approved for human consumption. Choice Peptide Labs supplies peptides for in vitro research only. Comply with all applicable regulations.
