Description
Cartalax is a synthetic short-chain peptide bioregulator developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It belongs to the same class of tissue-specific epigenetic regulators as Cardiogen, Epithalon, and Pinealon — each targeting a different cell type through the same intranuclear mechanism. Cartalax targets chondrocytes. It enters the cell nucleus and binds specific DNA promoter sequences, modulating the expression of genes that govern cartilage matrix synthesis and chondrocyte survival. Researchers studying short peptide DNA-binding mechanisms and tissue-specific gene regulation across the Khavinson series use Cartalax specifically in specialty research peptide cartilage biology models.
Key Characteristics
- Targets chondrocytes with tissue specificity — preclinical data show modulation of COL2A1 (collagen type II), ACAN (aggrecan), and MMP expression in cartilage cell populations, reflecting an anabolic shift in the balance between matrix synthesis and degradation
- Works through direct peptide-DNA interaction in the chondrocyte nucleus, not through cell-surface receptors — this places it in a distinct mechanistic class from receptor-mediated cartilage research tools and makes it useful for studying gene-level regulation independently of growth factor signaling
- p53-mediated apoptosis suppression has been documented in preclinical cartilage models, paralleling the anti-apoptotic mechanism observed in Cardiogen within cardiac tissue — same epigenetic class, different target cell
- Note on sequence: vendor literature lists varying sequences (AEDG, AEDL, AEDK) for Cartalax — researchers should verify the specific sequence with the certificate of analysis before experimental use
- All published evidence is preclinical, concentrated within the Khavinson research network; no independent Western clinical trials have been completed
Handling and Storage
Store as lyophilized powder under refrigeration, away from heat, moisture, and light. As a short-chain tetrapeptide, Cartalax is susceptible to proteolytic degradation. Reconstitute immediately before use and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
FAQs
What is Cartalax?
Cartalax is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator from the Khavinson series, developed for cartilage-specific research. It targets chondrocytes by entering the cell nucleus and binding DNA promoter regions that control cartilage matrix gene expression — including collagen type II and aggrecan synthesis. All published evidence is preclinical.
How does Cartalax differ from BPC-157 in cartilage research models?
BPC-157 works through angiogenic and fibroblast-activating pathways — it promotes vascularization and soft tissue repair across multiple tissue types. Cartalax acts at the gene expression level within chondrocytes specifically, targeting the intracellular transcriptional programs that govern cartilage matrix production. The two compounds address different aspects of joint biology and appear in some research designs as complementary rather than interchangeable tools.
How should Cartalax be stored?
Store as lyophilized powder under refrigeration, protected from heat, light, and moisture. Reconstitute immediately before experimental use. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles — as a short tetrapeptide, Cartalax is susceptible to proteolytic degradation under suboptimal handling conditions.
