Cartalax (short amino acid sequence AED; Ala-Glu-Asp) is among a class of ultrashort synthetic peptides under investigation for possible roles in modulating cellular ageing-related processes, particularly in fibroblasts, stem cells, and connective tissue. Research indicates that Cartalax may influence gene expression, proliferation, extracellular matrix dynamics, and markers of senescence. This article reviews what is presently known about the structural, molecular, and functional properties of Cartalax, and theorises potential domains for further research, especially in tissue regeneration, connective tissue disorders, and cellular biology.
Ultrashort peptides (2–7 amino acids) have gathered attention for their potential as bioregulators of gene expression, epigenetic modifications, and cellular renewal. Among these, the tripeptide Ala-Glu-Asp (AED), also known under the trade term Cartalax or T-31, has been subject to investigations suggesting its potential to interact with DNA, influence fibroblast behaviour, modulate ageing markers, and potentially ameliorate degenerative alterations in connective tissue. The present review collates current information about Cartalax from peer-reviewed cell-culture research and speculates on its possible roles in future research domains.
Molecular Properties and Mechanisms
1. Sequence and Origin
Cartalax is the tripeptide Ala-Glu-Asp (AED). It is synthetic but is believed to mirror sequences derived from parts of collagen precursors and has been isolated among polypeptide fractions from kidney tissue extracts.
2. DNA and gene expression interactions
Research indicates that short peptides, including AED, may be capable of penetrating nuclei and nucleoli of cells, binding to DNA, histones, or nucleosomes, and hence possibly regulating gene promoters directly. Computational modelling and molecular docking suggest that such peptides may bind in the minor groove of specific DNA sequences or interact with histone proteins, potentially modulating transcription or repair processes.
3. Epigenetic Research
Studies suggest that peptides like AED may influence the DNA methylation status of certain genes, thus affecting gene activation or repression, especially for genes involved in ageing, antioxidant defence, and stress response. This is thought to include the regulation of promoter methylation, alterations in histone modifications, and changes in chromatin accessibility.
Cellular Impacts in Research Models
4. Fibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix
In fibroblast cultures (especially ageing or replicative senescent models), AED appears to increase proliferation markers (e.g., Ki-67), boost expression of proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodelling, and repress matrix metalloproteinases like MMP-9, which tend to degrade collagen and other matrix components during cell aging and proliferation. Thus, the peptide seems to maintain or restore matrix integrity in connective tissues.
5. Markers of Cell Senescence (Cell Age)
Studies suggest that the peptide may reduce the expression of proteins associated with senescence (such as p53, p21, and p16) in kidney cell culture and fibroblasts. Also, in mesenchymal stem cells, AED (along with related small peptides) may hypothetically upregulate SIRT-6, a protein implicated in DNA repair, chromatin maintenance, and lifespan modulation.
Speculative Research Domains for Cartalax
Given the molecular and cellular data to date, Cartalax may be of interest in the following research domains. Each potential domain is speculative and would require substantial further investigation.
6. Connective tissue degeneration and cartilage biology
Because fibroblasts and chondrocyte-like cells share many features in extracellular matrix maintenance, Cartalax has been hypothesized to support investigations into cartilage repair, prevention of cartilage breakdown, or enhancement of cartilage resilience under stress. Research might explore its possible impact on type II collagen synthesis or the balance between collagen deposition and degradation in chondrogenic culture systems.
7. Stem cell cultures and regenerative studies
Because Cartalax seems to influence MSC gene expression, studies suggest it could be studied in research aiming to enhance stem cell proliferation, differentiation potential, or delay of replicative senescence in vitro. For example, exploring whether Cartalax helps maintain differentiation potential after many passages, or whether it helps MSCs better survive or function in altered niches or stress conditions.
8. Gene regulation and epigenetic studies
Given its apparent potential to bind DNA or histones and modulate methylation and transcription, Cartalax might be explored as a tool in epigenetics: to reprogram ageing cells; modulate transcriptional networks that degrade with age; or restore youthful expression profiles in aged tissue culture. Also, its alleged influence on FOXO1, NFκB, and IGF1 suggests links to stress response pathways, metabolic regulation, and identity maintenance.
Conclusion
Cartalax (AED peptide) emerges as an intriguing molecule in the domain of peptide bioregulators, with research indicating multiple potential impacts: modulation of gene expression, reduction of senescence markers, enhancement of fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix preservation, and impacts on stem cell ageing models. While much remains speculative, given the limitations of current data, the peptide may serve as a valuable tool in research searching for strategies to slow or reverse degenerative changes in connective tissues, to maintain the function of stem cells, and to explore epigenetic and transcriptional modulation in ageing.
Future research might profitably focus on comparative analyses with other peptides, more detailed mechanistic work (including chromatin binding, promoter specificity, interactions with DNA damage repair machinery), and exploration of structural and functional outcomes in engineered tissue models. By doing so, Cartalax could help illuminate fundamental principles of tissue resilience and the molecular biology of ageing. Click here to learn more about the potential of this peptide.
References
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[ii] Fridman, N. V., Linkova, N. S., Kozhevnikova, E. O., Gutop, E. O., & Khavinson, V. K. (2020). Comparison of the effects of KE and AED peptides on functional activity of human skin fibroblasts during their replicative aging. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 170(2), 154–157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-020-05022-1
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