Bioregulator Peptides:
Short Sequences, Deep Effects
Explore the fascinating world of ultra-short peptides theorized to modulate gene expression at the DNA level. From telomerase activation to tissue-specific cytogens, discover the science of bioregulation.
What Are Bioregulator Peptides?
Bioregulator peptides, also known as Khavinson peptides after their primary developer Professor Vladimir Khavinson, are a class of ultra-short peptides (typically 2-4 amino acids) theorized to interact directly with DNA to modulate gene expression. This field originated from decades of research at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia.
The central hypothesis proposes that these small peptides can penetrate the cell nucleus and bind to specific DNA sequences in gene regulatory regions (promoters), either activating or repressing transcription. Each bioregulator is designed to be tissue-specific—targeting particular organs or physiological systems.
The most well-known bioregulator is Epitalon (Epithalon), a tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for its potential effects on telomerase activity. However, dozens of tissue-specific bioregulators exist, collectively forming the basis for what some researchers call “peptide bioregulation” of aging processes.
2-4
Amino Acids
DNA
Target
Tissue
Specificity
Proposed Bioregulator Mechanism
Short Peptide (2-4 AA)
e.g., Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Cell Membrane Penetration
Small size enables passive diffusion
Nuclear Translocation
Entry into nucleus
DNA Binding
Promoter region interaction
Gene Expression Modulation
Tissue-specific effects
Theoretical mechanism proposed by Khavinson et al.
Key Bioregulators
Foundational Peptides in Bioregulation Research
The most studied bioregulator peptides and their proposed tissue targets.
Epitalon (Epithalon)
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly — The most researched bioregulator. Proposed to activate telomerase via TERT gene promoter interaction. Associated with pineal gland function and melatonin synthesis.
Thymalin
Glu-Trp — Dipeptide derived from thymus extract research. Associated with immune system modulation and T-cell differentiation. One of the original Khavinson bioregulators.
Vilon (Thymogen)
Lys-Glu — Another thymus-targeted dipeptide. Studied for effects on immune cell proliferation and cytokine production. Proposed to enhance thymic function.
Cortagen
Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro — Tetrapeptide targeting the cerebral cortex. Studied for neuroprotective effects and cognitive function in aging models.
Livagen
Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala — Tetrapeptide targeting hepatocytes. Studied for effects on liver regeneration, detoxification enzyme expression, and hepatoprotection.
Cardiogen
Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg — Tetrapeptide targeting cardiac tissue. Researched for cardioprotective effects and myocardial function in aging and stress models.
Epitalon: Telomerase Activation Research
Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon or Epithalone) is the synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). It was developed based on earlier research with Epithalamin, a polypeptide extract from bovine pineal glands. Epitalon represents the purported “active core” sequence responsible for the biological effects observed with pineal extracts.
Proposed Mechanism: Telomerase
The primary research interest in Epitalon centers on its proposed ability to activate telomerase—the enzyme that elongates telomeres, the protective caps at chromosome ends. Telomere shortening is associated with cellular aging and senescence. Khavinson’s research suggests that Epitalon may interact with the TERT gene promoter, increasing telomerase expression in certain cell types.
Pineal Gland Connection
Epitalon is also studied for effects on pineal gland function, including potential modulation of melatonin synthesis. The pineal gland plays a role in circadian rhythm regulation, and age-related pineal dysfunction correlates with sleep disturbances and other aging phenomena.
Research Observations
Published studies (primarily from Khavinson’s group) report observations including increased telomerase activity in cell cultures, telomere elongation in certain models, and effects on age-related biomarkers. However, independent replication and mechanistic confirmation remain areas of active investigation.
Telomerase & Aging Model
Young Cell
Aged Cell
Proposed
Note: Conceptual model. Telomerase activation effects remain under investigation.
Cytogens vs. Cytomax: Understanding the Terminology
Two approaches to bioregulator research materials.
Cytogens (Synthetic)
Cytogens are synthetic bioregulator peptides produced through solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). They contain defined sequences (2-4 amino acids) with high purity and batch-to-batch consistency.
- Defined composition
- High purity (≥99%)
- Reproducible research
- No animal-derived components
Cytomax (Extracted)
Cytomax preparations are tissue extracts derived from animal sources (typically bovine or porcine). They contain natural peptide complexes with multiple bioactive components.
- Natural peptide mixture
- Traditional formulation
- Multiple components
- Animal tissue origin
Regenpep Focus: We supply synthetic cytogens for research requiring defined composition and batch consistency.
Bioregulator Research Glossary
Key terminology for understanding peptide bioregulation research.
Telomerase
Reverse transcriptase enzyme that adds TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends (telomeres). Composed of TERT catalytic subunit and TERC RNA template. Active in stem cells and germ cells.
Telomeres
Repetitive nucleotide sequences (TTAGGG in vertebrates) at chromosome ends. Protect against DNA degradation. Shorten with each cell division, functioning as a “mitotic clock.”
Gene Promoter
DNA region upstream of a gene where transcription factors and RNA polymerase bind to initiate transcription. Bioregulators are proposed to interact with promoter sequences.
Tissue Specificity
The property of bioregulators to preferentially affect specific organs or cell types. Proposed to result from sequence-specific DNA interactions in tissue-specific gene promoters.
Pineal Gland
Small endocrine gland producing melatonin. Regulates circadian rhythms. Target tissue for Epitalon. Epithalamin (Epitalon precursor) was derived from pineal extracts.
Replicative Senescence
Permanent cell cycle arrest occurring when telomeres reach critical shortness. Cells remain metabolically active but cannot divide. Associated with aging phenotypes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bioregulator peptides and how do they differ from other peptides?
How does Epitalon reportedly affect telomerase?
What is the difference between cytogens and cytomax?
Are bioregulator effects scientifically established?
How should bioregulator peptides be stored?
Explore Bioregulator Research Peptides
Access high-purity synthetic cytogens including Epitalon, Thymalin, and tissue-specific bioregulators for gene expression and aging research.
USA Based • ≥99% Purity • Research Use Only