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Cortagen

Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly · Cortexin peptide

Nootropic & CNSPreclinical
From$3.10/mgCompare prices
MW
390.35g/mol
Formula
C14H22N4O9

Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) derived from the natural brain cortex peptide preparation Cortexin. Researchers primarily study Cortagen for its potential neuroprotective and regenerative effects on various tissues, particularly in the context of brain ischemia and aging. Key findings from studies indicate that Cortagen can accelerate recovery in ischemic models and influence gene expression in cardiac tissues, suggesting a multifaceted role in cellular repair mechanisms. Additionally, preclinical evidence indicates that Cortagen may modulate immune responses by affecting interleukin-2 mRNA synthesis in splenocytes. Current research continues to explore its diverse biological effects and potential applications in gerontology and neuroprotection.

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 modulation of gene expression and activation of specific signaling pathways, including the interleukin-2 mRNA synthesis pathway in splenocytes, although the precise receptors involved remain unclear. It influences epigenetic modifications, promoting deheterochromatinization and potentially enhancing ribosomal gene activity, which may contribute to its neuroprotective and regenerative properties in chronic ischemia and aging-related conditions. The exact molecular mechanisms and pathways through which Cortagen operates are not fully understood and warrant further investigation.

Research

9 Research Publications

29

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
Researchers observed significant alterations in gene expression in the hearts of mice treated with Cortagen, indicating its effects on cardiac gene regulation.

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.
10 microg/kgintramuscular(rat)10 days
PubMed
#02

Synthesis of IL-2 mRNA in cells of rat hypothalamic structures after injection of short peptides.

Animal
5
Researchers observed that Cortagen modulated IL-2 gene expression in hypothalamic cells of rats, depending on the administration method and timing.
1 mgsubcutaneously(mouse)5 times a week to from the 2nd month of life to death0.1 microgdaily(rat)5 times a week from the age of 4 months1 microgramsubcutaneously(mouse)for 5 consecutive days starting from the 2nd month of life20 mg/literdrinking water(mouse)in night hours
PubMed
#03

Effects of bioactive tetrapeptides on free-radical processes.

Animal
4
The study demonstrated that injections of Cortagen in rats reduced oxidative modification of proteins and lipid peroxidation products, indicating its antioxidant properties.
1 mgsubcutaneously(mouse)5 times a week from the 2nd month of life to death0.1 microg dailynot mentioned(rat)5 times a week from the age of 4 months1 microgramsubcutaneously(mouse)for 5 consecutive days starting from the 2nd month of life
PubMed
#04

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

Animal
4
The study demonstrated that various peptides, including Cortagen, exerted tissue-specific effects on explant development from different organs in rats of various ages.
5 micrograms/ratsubcutaneous(rat)5 times per week for 12 months1 mgnot specified(mouse)not specified2 and 10 ng/mlnot specified(rat)not specified5 ng/mlnot specified(rat)not specified8--16 Usubcutaneous(human)not specified0.005 mg / kgparenteral(mouse)not specified0.05 mg /kgparenteral(mouse)not specified
PubMed
#05

Production of lymphocyte-activating factors by mouse macrophages during aging and under the effect of short peptides.

Animal
2
Researchers observed that short peptides, including Cortagen, modulated the production of lymphocyte-activating factors by macrophages in aging mice, indicating potential immune modulation.
1 mgsubcutaneously(mouse)5 times a week from the 2nd month of life to death0.1 microg dailynot mentioned(rat)5 times a week from the age of 4 months1 microgramsubcutaneously(mouse)for 5 consecutive days starting from the 2nd month of life
PubMed
#06

Effect of tetrapeptide cortagen on regeneration of sciatic nerve.

Animal
2
The study demonstrated that intramuscular injection of Cortagen significantly increased the growth rate and conduction velocity of regenerating sciatic nerve fibers in rats.
10 microg/kgintramuscular(rat)10 days
PubMed
#07

[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 the polypeptide drug cortexin and the synthetic peptide cortagen accelerated recovery in ischemic rats while preventing excessive lipid peroxidation and decreasing antioxidant activity.

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.
10 microg/kgintramuscular(rat)10 days
PubMed
#08

[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
#09

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 human populations. Additionally, the long-term effects of Cortagen treatment on gene expression and overall health outcomes remain unclear, as well as the specific molecular mechanisms through which Cortagen exerts its therapeutic effects in various tissues.

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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23
Pricing

Price Comparison

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    20mg
    $62.00
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    $3.10/mg
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  • Umbrella LabsUS
    10mg
    $40.99
    Price/mg
    $4.10/mg
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  • Umbrella LabsUS
    2mg
    $40.99
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    $20.50/mg
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  • NovumLabEU
    20mg
    —
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  • Direct Peptides EuropeUK
    2mg
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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