Compound Profiles
Epithalon (AEDG Peptide): Telomerase Research and the Hayflick Limit
Healthy Aminos Research Team · · 6 min read
Molecular Profile
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. Molecular weight: 390.35 Da (CAS: 307297-39-8). It is based on the natural pineal gland peptide epithalamin and was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
At only four amino acids, epithalon is one of the smallest bioactive peptides in research use. Its simplicity has made it a subject of interest in studies examining structure-activity relationships of short peptide sequences.
Published Research
### Telomerase Induction In Vitro
[Khavinson et al. (2003)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12937682/) reported that epithalon induced telomerase activity in human somatic cell cultures. The study measured hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) expression and telomerase enzymatic activity in treated versus untreated cells. The authors observed dose-dependent increases in telomerase markers.
### Overcoming the Hayflick Limit
[Khavinson et al. (2004)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15455129/) published data showing that epithalon-treated human fetal fibroblast cultures exceeded the normal replicative limit (Hayflick limit) by approximately 10 additional cell doublings. Control cultures entered replicative senescence at the expected passage number while treated cultures continued dividing.
### Neurogenesis Markers
[Khavinson et al. (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32019204/) examined epithalon's effects on neurogenesis-associated markers in cell culture models. The study reported observations on nestin and other neural progenitor markers in treated preparations.
Research Context
The majority of published epithalon research originates from Khavinson's laboratory. Independent replication studies from other research groups remain limited. The compound is not FDA-approved.
Research-grade [Epithalon](/peptides/anti-aging/epithalon) is available in 10mg vials with ≥98% HPLC purity.
*All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved.*
Research Use Only
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Products sold by Healthy Aminos are intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved. By purchasing from Healthy Aminos, the buyer acknowledges that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All products are sold as reference standards and research chemicals only.