Epithalon (AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. It was designed from the amino-acid composition of epithalamin, a polypeptide preparation obtained from bovine pineal tissue, and is one of the most studied members of the short regulatory peptide family described by Khavinson and colleagues.

No cell-surface receptor has been identified for the peptide. In human somatic cell cultures it has been reported to induce telomerase activity and telomere elongation, and fluorescence-labelled short peptides of this class have been observed entering the nucleus of HeLa cells and interacting with deoxyribooligonucleotides in vitro. Further work describes changes in gene and protein expression during neuronal differentiation in cell models, interpreted as a possible epigenetic mechanism.

The compound is cited in telomere biology, short peptide–DNA interaction studies and gene-expression research in cultured cells. As a small, polar tetrapeptide it is readily soluble in water and aqueous buffers.

Research use only. This material is sold for in-vitro laboratory research and development purposes exclusively. It is not a drug, food, or dietary supplement, has not been evaluated by the FDA, and must not be used in humans or animals.