Source: Al-dulaimi S. et al., Biogerontology, 2025, 10.1007/s10522-025-10315-x
Study Aim
To evaluate the effect of Epitalon – a tetrapeptide with proven anti-aging properties – on telomere length and the activity of enzymes associated with their maintenance (telomerase and ALT) in various human cell lines.
Epitalon is known for activating telomerase and its potential to extend cell lifespan. The current study provides quantitative data on the mechanisms of this action in normal and tumor cells.
Study Design
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Type: in vitro experimental study
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Models: cancer cell lines (21NT, BT474) and normal human fibroblasts and epithelial cells (IBR.3, HMEC)
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Intervention: daily treatment with Epitalon (0.1 – 1.0 μg/mL) for 4 days (tumor cells) and 3 weeks (normal cells)
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Analyses: qPCR for telomere length, hTERT expression, TRAP analysis for telomerase activity, C-circle analysis for ALT activity
Key Results
Effects on telomeres
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Epitalon caused dose-dependent telomere elongation in all investigated cell lines.
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In normal cells, the effect was observed after prolonged treatment (3 weeks).
Mechanism of action
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In normal cells – elongation is associated with ↑ hTERT expression and telomerase activity.
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In tumor cells – no significant increase in telomerase activity, but strong activation of the ALT mechanism was observed.
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ALT activity was confirmed by C-circle analysis and an increased number of PML bodies.
Selectivity
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ALT activation was found only in cancer cells, but not in normal cells, suggesting a selective mechanism of action.
Conclusions
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Epitalon extends telomeres through different mechanisms – telomerase in normal cells and ALT in tumor cells.
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The tetrapeptide stimulates hTERT expression and supports cellular longevity.
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Due to the lack of ALT activation in normal cells, Epitalon is considered a safe candidate for anti-aging research.
Practical Significance
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Epitalon can be used in research models to study aging, telomere biology, and cellular longevity.
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The peptide demonstrates potential as a biomolecular tool for maintaining telomere stability and healthy aging.
