🔬TODAY’S BREAKTHROUGH
A new study provides hard evidence that epitalon, a pineal-derived tetrapeptide, extends telomere length in human cells, through distinct mechanisms in normal versus cancerous tissue.
The Discovery:
In normal human fibroblast and epithelial cells, epitalon upregulated hTERT and boosted telomerase activity, lengthening telomeres over a 3-week treatment. In cancer cell lines, epitalon also extended telomeres, but via activation of the ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) pathway instead of telomerase.
The Science:
Telomere elongation: Epitalon increased telomere length in both normal and cancer cells; normal cells required longer exposure (3 weeks).
hTERT upregulation: All cell types showed elevated hTERT mRNA expression after treatment.
Normal cells: Fibroblasts and epithelial cells showed 4–26-fold increases in telomerase activity after epitalon treatment.
Cancer cells: Telomerase activity did not increase despite hTERT upregulation; instead, telomere extension occurred through strong ALT activation, confirmed by C-circle assays and PML body staining.
Selectivity: ALT activation was confined to cancer cells; normal cells showed little to none.
Safety note: Results suggest epitalon may safely maintain telomeres in healthy cells without conferring unlimited growth to cancer cells.
Your Action:
This is an in vitro human cell study, not a clinical trial. While epitalon shows promise as a telomere-protective agent, practical steps today are to minimize telomere stress: avoid smoking, manage chronic inflammation, support recovery with sleep, exercise, and nutrient-rich foods.
Bottom Line:
Epitalon can lengthen telomeres in human cells, through telomerase in normal cells and ALT in cancer cells.
Source:
Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity. Biogerontology. Al-dulaimi S, Thomas R, Matta S, Roberts T.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-025-10315-x
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen.