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