Last reviewed: October 2026 · Cleared Peptides research team
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, AEDP) 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 Cortagen, cerebral cortex.
Cortagen extends the Ala-Glu-Asp core with a C-terminal proline, a residue that confers resistance to carboxypeptidase cleavage.
Cortagen Structure and Identifiers
| Name | Cortagen |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro (AEDP) |
| 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 | C17H26N4O9 |
| Molecular weight | ≈430.4 g/mol |
| Tissue of research origin | Cerebral cortex |
| 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.
Cortagen and the Ala-Glu-Asp (AED) family
Many bioregulators share short sequence cores. Cortagen belongs to the Ala-Glu-Asp (AED) family:
| Peptide | Sequence | Tissue of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Cortagen | Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro | cerebral cortex |
| Cardiogen | Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg | heart |
| Bronchogen | Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu | bronchial epithelium |
| Cartalax | Ala-Glu-Asp | cartilage |
| 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 Cortagen 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 Cortagen 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 Cortagen?
Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro (AEDP); molecular formula C17H26N4O9, molecular weight ≈430.4 g/mol.
What tissue is Cortagen associated with?
It was modelled on peptide extracts from cerebral cortex.
Is Cortagen for human use?
No. Cleared Peptides supplies Cortagen 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.
- Khavinson VK. Tissue-specific effects of peptides. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2001;132(2):807-8. PubMed 11713572 · DOI
- Kozina LS. Effects of bioactive tetrapeptides on free-radical processes. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2007;143(6):744-6. PubMed 18239817 · DOI
- Kazakova TB, et al. Synthesis of IL-2 mRNA in cells of rat hypothalamic structures after injection of short peptides. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2005;139(6):718-20. PubMed 16224591 · 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.
