Last reviewed: October 2026 · Cleared Peptides research team
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp, AED) is a short synthetic peptide from the family of peptide bioregulators developed by V. Khavinson and colleagues, each modelled on peptide extracts from a particular tissue — for Cartalax, cartilage.
Cartalax (also coded T-31) is the Ala-Glu-Asp tripeptide itself — the shared N-terminal core of Epitalon, Cardiogen, Cortagen and Bronchogen — and is studied in chondrocyte and fibroblast models.
Cartalax Structure and Identifiers
| Name | Cartalax |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp (AED) |
| CAS number | Not available. A public CAS Registry Number has not been assigned to this sequence in the sources reviewed for this guide. |
| Molecular formula | C12H19N3O8 |
| Molecular weight | ≈333.3 g/mol |
| Tissue of research origin | Cartilage |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
Short Peptide Bioregulators
Khavinson’s group proposed that di-, tri- and tetrapeptides derived from tissue extracts can enter cells and interact with DNA and histone proteins, influencing chromatin structure and tissue-specific gene expression. These peptides are studied mainly in cell-culture and molecular-modelling research. Read the peptide bioregulators overview.
Cartalax and the Ala-Glu-Asp (AED) family
Many bioregulators share short sequence cores. Cartalax belongs to the Ala-Glu-Asp (AED) family:
| Peptide | Sequence | Tissue of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Cartalax | Ala-Glu-Asp | cartilage |
| Cortagen | Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro | cerebral cortex |
| Cardiogen | Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg | heart |
| Bronchogen | Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu | bronchial epithelium |
| Epitalon | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly | pineal gland |
This summary describes laboratory research only and makes no claim about effects in humans or animals.
Purity Testing and Storage
Every lot of Cartalax supplied by Cleared Peptides is tested by an independent laboratory for identity and purity (or composition, for multi-component preparations), and the lot Certificate of Analysis is published on our COA page. Store lyophilized Cartalax at −20 °C, sealed, dry and protected from light. Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening. Handle according to your institution’s chemical-hygiene procedures.
Research materials referenced in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sequence of Cartalax?
Ala-Glu-Asp (AED); molecular formula C12H19N3O8, molecular weight ≈333.3 g/mol.
What tissue is Cartalax associated with?
It was modelled on peptide extracts from cartilage.
Is Cartalax for human use?
No. Cleared Peptides supplies Cartalax for laboratory research use only; it is not for human or veterinary use.
Selected References
Peer-reviewed literature on the compounds discussed in this guide, listed as scientific background for laboratory researchers. Citation does not imply endorsement by the authors or any use other than in-vitro research.
- Ashapkin V, et al. Gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cell aging cultures: modulation by short peptides. Mol Biol Rep. 2020;47(6):4323-4329. PubMed 32399807 · DOI
- Caputi S, et al. Effect of short peptides on neuronal differentiation of stem cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2019;33:2058738419828613. PubMed 30791821 · DOI
Laboratory note: solubility depends on salt form and solvent. This guide does not state a single solubility figure. Handling of lyophilized material is described in the peptide storage guide.
Research Use Only Notice
This guide is provided for educational and laboratory reference purposes. It summarizes published, primarily in-vitro and structural research literature and does not describe, recommend or imply any use in humans or animals. Products sold by Cleared Peptides are for laboratory research use only; they are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, are not FDA-approved, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. No dosing, administration or therapeutic information is provided.
