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Cortagen

Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly · Cortexin peptide

Nootropic & CNSPreclinical
From$3.25/mgCompare prices
MW
390.35g/mol
Formula
C14H22N4O9

Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of the amino acids alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and proline, derived from the natural brain cortex peptide preparation Cortexin. Researchers primarily study Cortagen for its potential effects on neuroprotection and gene expression, particularly in the context of aging and ischemic conditions. Key findings indicate that Cortagen can stimulate the growth of brain tissue explants and influence gene expression in various organs, including the heart, suggesting its role in modulating cellular processes associated with aging and recovery from injury. Additionally, studies suggest that Cortagen may induce changes in chromatin structure, promoting the activation of ribosomal genes in senile subjects. Current research continues to explore its mechanisms of action and broader therapeutic applications in gerontology and neurobiology.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC14H22N4O9
Molecular Weight390.35 g/mol
CAS Number307297-39-8
PubChem CID219042

Half-Life

INIntranasal

Not applicable

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Pharmacokinetic data is limited and varies by administration route.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) appears to exert its effects through selective modulation of gene expression and chromatin remodeling in various tissues, particularly in the heart and lymphocytes of aging individuals. While the exact receptors and signaling pathways remain to be fully elucidated, it is suggested that Cortagen influences epigenetic modifications, promoting deheterochromatinization and activation of ribosomal genes, potentially via pathways related to oxidative stress and neuroprotection, such as the NO/cGMP pathway. Additionally, its role in enhancing neuroprotective effects during chronic ischemia indicates involvement in cellular stress response mechanisms, although specific molecular targets and pathways require further investigation.

Research

6 Research Publications

18

Total Citations

2012

Latest

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#01

Elucidation of the effect of brain cortex tetrapeptide Cortagen on gene expression in mouse heart by microarray.

Anisimov Sergey V, et al. · Neuro endocrinology letters · 2004

Animal
9
The study demonstrated that Cortagen treatment led to significant changes in gene expression in the hearts of mice, with 234 transcripts showing altered expression after peptide administration.

Key findings

  1. 01Cortagen treatment led to significant changes in gene expression, affecting 234 genes in the mouse heart.
  2. 02The maximum increase in gene expression was 5.42 times higher, while the maximum decrease was 2.86 times lower.
  3. 03Cortagen showed both common and unique effects on gene expression compared to other peptides and melatonin.
PubMed
#02

[Tissue-specific action of peptides in tissue culture of rats of various ages].

Animal
4
The study demonstrated that various polypeptides, including Cortagen, exerted tissue-specific effects on explant development in organ cultures from rats of different ages.
PubMed
#03

Effect of tetrapeptide cortagen on regeneration of sciatic nerve.

Animal
2
The study demonstrated that Cortagen administration increased the growth rate and conduction velocity of regenerating sciatic nerve fibers in rats after nerve injury.
PubMed
#04

[Cortexin and cortagen as correcting agents in functional and metabolic disorders in the brain in chronic ischemia].

Zarubina I V & Shabanov P D · Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia · 2011

Animal
2
Researchers observed that both cortexin and Cortagen accelerated recovery of behavior in ischemic rats while preventing excessive lipid peroxidation and maintaining antioxidant activity in brain tissues.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that cortexin and cortagen improved the behavior of ischemic rats with varying resistance to low oxygen levels.
  2. 02The study found that both drugs prevented excessive lipid peroxidation, a damaging process in brain tissues.
  3. 03Researchers noted an increase in antioxidant activity in the brain tissues of rats treated with cortexin and cortagen.
PubMed
#05

[Peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and interferon gamma: their role in immune response during aging].

Lin'kova N S, et al. · Advances in gerontology = Uspekhi gerontologii · 2012

Review
1
Researchers observed that aging reduces the production of a key immune protein called interferon gamma in lymphocytes, contributing to weakened immunity in older adults. They also found that a specific peptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, can stimulate the growth of immune cells in the thymus, potentially enhancing interferon gamma production in T-cells.

Key findings

  1. 01Aging leads to decreased interferon gamma expression in lymphocytes, which contributes to immune deficiency in the elderly.
  2. 02The peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly can activate the proliferation of lymphocytes in the thymus during aging.
  3. 03The peptide's immune-boosting effects are linked to its ability to enhance interferon gamma production in T-cells.
PubMed
#06

Geroprotective effect of ala-glu-asp-gly peptide in male rats exposed to different illumination regimens.

Vinogradova I A, et al. · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2008

Animal
Researchers studied the effects of different lighting conditions on male rats and found that constant light exposure increased mortality and tumor development. They also observed that a synthetic peptide called epithalone reduced the rate of aging and tumor growth in rats, regardless of the lighting conditions they were exposed to.

Key findings

  1. 01Constant light exposure led to higher mortality rates and more spontaneous tumors in male rats compared to standard light conditions.
  2. 02The synthetic peptide epithalone did not significantly change the average lifespan but normalized the aging rate in rats under different lighting.
  3. 03Epithalone significantly reduced the occurrence of certain tumors, including testicular tumors and leukemias, in rats exposed to any lighting regimen.
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No randomized controlled human trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cortagen in aging populations. Additionally, the long-term effects of Cortagen treatment on gene expression and chromatin remodeling in humans remain unknown, as well as the specific molecular mechanisms underlying its tissue-specific actions and neuroprotective effects.

Solubility

Cortagen is soluble in water and aqueous solutions.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

12 total
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Pricing

Price Comparison

  • BESTcrownwellresearch.comUS
    20mg
    $65.00
    Price/mg
    $3.25/mg
    View
  • Umbrella LabsUS
    10mg
    $40.99
    Price/mg
    $4.10/mg
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  • Umbrella LabsUS
    2mg
    $40.99
    Price/mg
    $20.50/mg
    View
  • NovumLabEU
    20mg
    —
    Price/mg
    —
    View
  • Direct Peptides EuropeUK
    2mg
    —
    Price/mg
    —
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Mechanism

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Mechanism

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer