Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg)
Also Known AsEDR · Glu-Asp-Arg · Pinealon tripeptide · EDR peptide
Pinealon was developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as part of his systematic program to identify short bioregulatory peptides from organ-specific cytomaxes. It was derived from the pineal gland peptide complex (Epithalamin) through sequential purification and identified as the minimal active tripeptide responsible for central nervous system bioregulatory effects. Part of the Khavinson peptide bioregulator family alongside Epithalon, Thymalin, and others.
Glu-Asp-ArgHow Pinealon Works
Epigenetic Gene Regulation
Pinealon (EDR) penetrates cell membranes and interacts with DNA at specific sites, modulating gene expression without receptor binding. Studies show it binds to the TTAGGG repeat sequence (telomeric motif) in gene promoter regions, influencing transcription of genes involved in differentiation, neuroprotection, and antioxidant defense.
Neuronal Differentiation & Survival
EDR promotes differentiation of neural precursor cells and reduces apoptosis in neuronal cell cultures exposed to oxidative stress or amyloid-beta toxicity. It modulates expression of neural-specific genes including GAP-43 (a marker of neuronal growth and plasticity) and nestin (a neural stem cell marker).
Antioxidant Defense Upregulation
Pinealon upregulates expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and reduces levels of lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde) in brain tissue under oxidative stress. This is consistent with its origin from pineal gland extract, an organ with high melatonin (endogenous antioxidant) production.
Published Research
Neuroprotection & Neurodegeneration
PreclinicalIn vitro studies demonstrate that Pinealon protects cortical neurons from oxidative stress-induced death and amyloid-beta toxicity. Cell viability improves 25-40% in EDR-treated cultures under toxic conditions. Studies in aged rat models show improved cognitive performance (Morris water maze) and reduced markers of oxidative damage in brain tissue following Pinealon administration.
Cognitive Function in Aging
PreclinicalKhavinson's research program has documented improved cognitive metrics in aged animal models treated with pineal gland peptides. Pinealon specifically has shown effects on learning speed and memory retention in behavioral testing paradigms. Gene expression studies demonstrate upregulation of plasticity-related genes in hippocampal tissue.
Peptide-DNA Interaction (Bioregulation)
PreclinicalBiophysical studies demonstrate direct Pinealon-DNA interaction using fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and molecular dynamics simulations. EDR binds preferentially to the minor groove of DNA at TTAGGG-containing sequences, consistent with the Khavinson model of short peptides as epigenetic regulators that directly modulate gene expression.
Sleep & Circadian Regulation
EmergingAs a pineal-derived peptide, Pinealon is hypothesized to modulate circadian-related gene expression. Preliminary studies suggest effects on melatonin receptor expression and clock gene regulation. This area requires substantially more investigation to establish mechanistic clarity.
Safety Profile
Pinealon is a natural tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) composed of common amino acids with a molecular weight of 418 Da. Tripeptides of this size are rapidly metabolized to constituent amino acids. No adverse effects have been reported in published cell culture or animal studies. The Khavinson bioregulator peptide program has documented safety across multiple short peptides in clinical populations over decades. However, Pinealon-specific human clinical trial data remains limited.
Handling & Storage
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Pinealon is a small tripeptide with high aqueous solubility. Store reconstituted solution at 2-8°C. Lyophilized powder stable at -20°C. Due to its small size, Pinealon has good stability in solution but should be used within 30 days of reconstitution.
Peer-Reviewed Literature
- 1
Peptides tissue-specifically stimulate cell differentiation during their aging
Khavinson VKh, Linkova NS, Polyakova VO, et al.
Advances in Gerontology, 2012PubMed 23289226 - 2
Short peptides: regulation of gene activity, aging, and age-related pathologies
Khavinson V, Linkova N, Diatlova A, Trofimova S.
- 3
Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells and in vitro specific interaction of the peptides with deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA
Fedoreyeva LI, Kireev II, Khavinson VKh, Vanyushin BF.
Pinealon FAQ
What is Pinealon?
Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg or EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It was identified as the minimal active fragment from pineal gland peptide extracts (Epithalamin) and is studied for neuroprotective, cognitive, and epigenetic effects.
How does Pinealon work at the molecular level?
Unlike most peptides, Pinealon does not signal through a membrane receptor. Biophysical studies demonstrate that it penetrates cell membranes and binds directly to DNA at specific sequences (TTAGGG motifs in promoter regions), modulating gene transcription. This epigenetic bioregulation mechanism is the foundation of the Khavinson short peptide paradigm.
What is the connection between Pinealon and Epithalon?
Both are Khavinson bioregulatory peptides derived from pineal gland extracts. Epithalon (AEDG / Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a tetrapeptide primarily studied for telomerase activation and longevity. Pinealon (EDR / Glu-Asp-Arg) is a tripeptide studied for CNS-specific neuroprotective and cognitive effects. They target different gene expression programs despite shared pineal origin.
How should Pinealon be stored?
Lyophilized Pinealon should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. As a small tripeptide, it has good aqueous stability at refrigerated temperatures.
Pinealon Products
All compounds 99%+ purity, verified by Janoshik Analytical. GMP-manufactured lyophilized powder.
Pinealon
20mgPineal gland protector — shields brain cells from oxidative damage, normalizes melatonin production, and supports cognitive function as you age.
- Protects brain cells from oxidative stress and damage
- Regulates melatonin production for better sleep cycles
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Disclaimer: This monograph is provided for educational and research purposes only. G26x Peptides products are sold exclusively as research chemicals. They are not intended for human consumption, therapeutic use, or as dietary supplements. All research should be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and institutional review board protocols. Information presented here is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature and does not constitute medical advice.