What is Cartalax?
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp (AED), developed in Russia as a chemically defined analogue of short peptides isolated from cartilage tissue. It is one of the Khavinson family of ultra-short peptides and is associated in the literature with chondrocytes, fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix of connective tissue.
At just three residues and a molecular weight of about 333 g/mol, Cartalax is among the smallest compounds in the bioregulator series. GenoPept offers Cartalax UK researchers as a 20mg lyophilised vial with batch-specific analytical documentation. Our guide to peptide bioregulators explains how Cartalax fits within the Khavinson series.
Cartalax research applications
Research on this peptide is confined to preclinical settings, chiefly cell culture and rodent models, with a focus on cartilage and connective tissue. The areas below summarise where the published literature has investigated the AED sequence.
Chondrocyte and fibroblast culture
Cartalax has been investigated in cultures of cartilage and skin-derived fibroblasts, where reported endpoints include cell proliferation, collagen-related gene expression and markers of matrix synthesis. These in-vitro systems form the core of the published Cartalax research.
Connective-tissue ageing
Research explores whether the AED tripeptide alters the age-associated decline in matrix production seen in senescent fibroblast cultures and in aged rodent connective tissue. Cartalax is often paired with Vesugen in these studies.
Musculoskeletal models
Preclinical work has examined Cartalax in animal models of joint and spinal degeneration. Outcomes reported include histological changes in cartilage and expression of matrix-related proteins; such findings remain preliminary and model-specific.
Structure-activity studies
As the shortest AED-type sequence, Cartalax is used as the reference point when comparing longer relatives such as Epitalon (AEDG) and Bronchogen (AEDL) in gene-expression assays.
Mechanism of action (preclinical)
The working hypothesis for Cartalax is epigenetic rather than receptor-mediated. Short acidic peptides of this type are proposed to enter the nucleus and bind to specific DNA sequences or to histone tails, altering chromatin accessibility and the transcription of matrix-associated genes. In fibroblast and chondrocyte cultures, published work reports increased expression of proteins linked to collagen synthesis and cell renewal, together with reduced markers of cellular senescence. These are preclinical findings and the exact binding partners of the Ala-Glu-Asp sequence remain to be established.
Cartalax product specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compound | Cartalax |
| Also known as | Cartalax peptide, AED peptide, Ala-Glu-Asp, cartilage bioregulator |
| Sequence / class | 3-amino-acid synthetic tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp, AED) |
| Molecular formula | C12H19N3O8 |
| Molecular weight | 333.3 g/mol (calculated from sequence) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder, sealed sterile glass vial, black cap |
| Available sizes | 20mg vial |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Verification | HPLC purity and LC-MS identity by independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory (Puralytix), batch COA |
| Storage (unopened) | –20 °C long term; 2–8 °C short term, protect from light |
| Intended use | In-vitro laboratory research only |
Available sizes
- 20mg vial (lyophilised powder)
We currently offer this peptide in one format for UK research customers. Boxes of 10 vials are available at bulk pricing, saving 20–50% compared with single vials; details are on the bulk and wholesale page.
Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)
Because Cartalax is an ultra-short tripeptide, it dissolves readily but is sensitive to mechanical stress. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or a sterile diluent matched to your experiment, directing the solvent down the vial wall and swirling gently. Do not shake or vortex. Our step-by-step guide to reconstituting research peptides covers volumes and technique.
Store sealed vials at –20 °C for long-term stability; 2–8 °C is acceptable for short-term holding, always protected from light. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within the timeframe your protocol defines; avoid freeze-thaw cycling. Further detail is in our article on storing research peptides. Standard laboratory PPE and waste-disposal practice apply.
Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis
We do not release a Cartalax batch without third-party analytical data. Puralytix, an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, runs HPLC for purity (minimum 99%) and LC-MS for identity, checking the observed mass against the calculated mass of Ala-Glu-Asp. Use the View Certificate of Analysis button above or browse the full COA library; our guide to reading a Certificate of Analysis explains each section.
Related research compounds
- Vesugen 20mg – the vascular tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) commonly co-studied with Cartalax in connective-tissue ageing
- Epitalon (Epithalon) Telomerase Activator – the AEDG tetrapeptide that extends the Cartalax sequence by one residue
- Cardiogen 20mg – the cardiac tetrapeptide, useful for tissue-selectivity comparisons
- GHK-Cu Copper Peptide – a copper-binding tripeptide widely studied in collagen and matrix research
Cartalax frequently asked questions
What is Cartalax studied for?
Cartalax is studied in laboratory models of cartilage, fibroblast and connective-tissue biology. Researchers use the Ala-Glu-Asp tripeptide to investigate matrix protein expression, cell proliferation and age-related changes in cultured chondrocytes and fibroblasts, as well as in preclinical joint models. It is sold by GenoPept for in-vitro research use only.
What form does Cartalax come in and how pure is it?
Cartalax from GenoPept is a 20mg lyophilised powder in a sterile, sealed glass vial with a black cap and a lot-numbered label. Each batch is verified at 99% purity or higher by HPLC and confirmed for identity by LC-MS at an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, with a downloadable Certificate of Analysis.
How do I store a Cartalax vial?
Keep unopened Cartalax at minus 20 degrees Celsius for long-term storage; 2 to 8 degrees Celsius is acceptable for short periods if protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and use within the period defined in your laboratory protocol.
Can Cartalax be used by people?
No. Cartalax is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only and is not a medicine. It is not for human or veterinary use, nor for any diagnostic or therapeutic purpose. GenoPept does not provide dosing or administration information and sells only to those conducting legitimate research in the UK.
How does Cartalax differ from Epitalon?
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp) is a three-residue peptide associated with cartilage and connective tissue, while Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) adds a glycine and is associated with the pineal gland and telomerase research. They share the AED core, which makes the pair useful for studying how a single additional residue changes tissue selectivity.
Research use only. This Cartalax product is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research and is not a medicine. It is not for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Read our research use only statement and research peptides and UK law before ordering.
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