Epitalon vs FOXO4-DRI
Epitalon (Synthetic tetrapeptide (pineal bioregulator)) and FOXO4-DRI (Senolytic peptide) are documented as co-studied in the PeptiDex library. This page puts the two entries side by side on class, molecular weight, half-life, origin, mechanism and studied research areas — every value taken from the entry it belongs to.
Why these two are co-studied
Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
At a glance
| Attribute | Epitalon | FOXO4-DRI |
|---|---|---|
| Compound class | Synthetic tetrapeptide (pineal bioregulator) | Senolytic peptide |
| Research category | Longevity & Cellular | Longevity & Cellular |
| Length (amino acids) | 4 amino acids | Not documented |
| Molecular weight | 390.35 g/mol | Not documented |
| Half-life | Not documented | Not documented |
| Origin | Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed in Russia by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues, designed as a short-peptide analog derived from studies of the pineal extract Epithalamin. It emerged from Russian peptide bioregulator research aimed at tissue-specific regulatory peptides. | FOXO4-DRI is a synthetic, retro-inverso (D-amino acid) peptide designed by researchers (notably from the group of Peter de Keizer) based on the FOXO4 sequence that interacts with p53. It was engineered as a proof-of-concept senolytic to target senescent cells. |
“Not documented” means the PeptiDex entry records no value for that field. Nothing on this page is estimated, and no figure is carried over from one compound to the other.
How Epitalon works
Epitalon is proposed to act as a peptide bioregulator influencing gene expression and pineal function. Reported preclinical mechanisms include modulation of the pineal gland and melatonin regulation, and studies have described effects on telomerase activity and telomere length in cultured human cells. The precise molecular mechanism in vivo is not fully established, and much of the mechanistic data comes from cell-culture and animal models.
How FOXO4-DRI works
FOXO4-DRI is designed to competitively interfere with the interaction between FOXO4 and the tumor suppressor p53 in senescent cells. By disrupting FOXO4-p53 binding, it is reported to release p53 from the nucleus, triggering apoptosis preferentially in senescent cells (a senolytic effect). This mechanism was demonstrated in cell and mouse models; the retro-inverso D-amino acid design was intended to improve peptide stability.
Mechanistic descriptions reflect published research-literature understanding and are quoted from each compound's own entry. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
Where each one appears in the literature
The research contexts each entry documents. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication, and the two lists are not scored against each other.
Epitalon
FOXO4-DRI
What sets each apart
Epitalon
Epitalon is a defined 4-amino-acid pineal bioregulator peptide, distinct from thymic peptides (immune focus) and mitochondrial peptides, with a research emphasis on telomere/telomerase biology.
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is the only senolytic in this set, working by clearing senescent cells via FOXO4-p53 disruption, rather than acting on immune, mitochondrial, or pineal pathways.
Frequently asked questions
What is epitalon and what is it studied for?
Epitalon (epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, modeled on the pineal peptide epithalamin. It is studied in aging research for reported effects on telomerase activity, telomere length, circadian/melatonin regulation, and antioxidant markers, largely in older Russian experimental programs and cell/animal models.
What is the sequence and molecular weight of epitalon?
Epitalon is the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), with molecular formula C14H22N4O9 and a molecular weight of about 390.35 g/mol. Its short four-residue length is one reason it is thought to have a very brief systemic half-life.
How is epitalon cycled in research protocols?
Reported research and community protocols use short cycles rather than continuous dosing, commonly a 10-20 day course repeated once or twice per year. Cycling reflects the older Russian research design of intermittent short courses rather than daily long-term administration.
What is FOXO4-DRI?
FOXO4-DRI is a synthetic senolytic peptide designed as a D-retro-inverso (DRI) version of a FOXO4 fragment. It is studied for selectively clearing senescent ("zombie") cells by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction, and it is a research-stage compound with no human clinical trials.
How does FOXO4-DRI work as a senolytic?
In senescent cells, FOXO4 binds and sequesters p53 in the nucleus, blocking apoptosis. FOXO4-DRI competitively disrupts this FOXO4-p53 interaction, releasing p53 to trigger apoptosis preferentially in senescent cells while reportedly sparing healthy cells in preclinical models.
What does 'D-retro-inverso' mean for this peptide?
D-retro-inverso means the sequence is reversed (retro) and built from D-amino acids instead of natural L-amino acids (inverso), which preserves the overall side-chain topology while greatly increasing resistance to proteolysis. This design extends functional stability from minutes to hours, enabling systemic dosing in preclinical models.
Answers are the ones published on each compound's own PeptiDex entry. They are educational summaries of research-literature context and are not medical advice.