Cortagen Research Information
Neuroprotective Tetrapeptide Bioregulator
AEDP Peptide for Neurobiology & Epigenetic Research
Important: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Contents
What is Cortagen?
Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator with the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro (AEDP), molecular formula C₁₇H₂₇N₅O₈, and molecular weight 430.17 Da [citation:1].
Cortagen is a synthetic analog of a fraction of Cortexin, a polypeptide extract from brain cortex developed through directed synthesis based on amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparations [citation:9]. As a member of the Khavinson peptide bioregulator family, Cortagen has emerged as a promising molecular tool for investigating neuroprotection, epigenetic regulation, and peptide-mediated cellular signaling in research models [citation:2].
Mechanism of Action
Cortagen functions through multiple pathways to support neurobiological research models:
Epigenetic Regulation
Induces deheterochromatinization of total heterochromatin, activating ribosomal gene synthesis and releasing repressed genes in aged cells [citation:2][citation:9]
Gene Expression Modulation
Broad genomic regulatory effects across multiple functional categories, extending beyond the CNS to cardiac tissue [citation:2]
Neuroprotection
Modulates expression of neuroprotective protein FKBP1b through epigenetic mechanisms involving chromatin remodeling [citation:2]
Cortagen demonstrates tissue-specific action, stimulating growth of explants from brain cortex and subcortical structures in organotypic cultures [citation:8][citation:11]. It activates heterochromatin and heterochromatinized regions of cell chromosomes in senile subjects, releasing genes repressed as a result of age-specific condensation [citation:6].
Research Applications
Neuroprotection
Cerebral ischemia models, brain damage prevention, and rehabilitation research [citation:3]
Epigenetic Research
Chromatin remodeling, heterochromatin decondensation, and age-related gene regulation studies [citation:2][citation:9]
Peptide Signaling
Probing peptide-receptor interactions, signaling cascades, and gene expression modulation [citation:1]
Neurogenesis Studies
Neuronal differentiation, neurotrophic factor research, and neural tissue modeling [citation:1]
Clinical Studies
Key Research Findings:
- In rat stroke models, Cortagen at 10 µg/kg significantly reduced infarct volume and attenuated neurological deficits [citation:3]
- Both 10 µg/kg and 150 µg/kg doses decreased acute mortality following incomplete global cerebral ischemia [citation:3]
- Demonstrated capacity to reverse age-related chromatin condensation through epigenetic modification [citation:2]
- Produces tissue-specific geroprotective activity with pronounced effects on nervous system function restoration [citation:2]
- In mouse studies, Cortagen showed motor stimulation with no side effects on emotional-affective profiles [citation:10]
- Modulates expression of neuroprotective protein FKBP1b through epigenetic mechanisms involving chromatin remodeling [citation:2]
Dosing Guide
Reconstitute 5mg vial with 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water = 1.67 mg/mL concentration. Research protocols typically range from 10-150 µg/kg.
Step 1: Select Vial Size
Step 2: Select Dose
Research protocol range: 10-150 µg/kg. Standard research dose: 0.03-0.10 mg/kg [citation:10]
Vial Size
5mg Vial
Selected Dose
30 µg
Doses per Vial
167 doses
Units on Syringe
1.8 units
Volume
0.018 mL
Protocol
Standard
Recommended Schedule
Daily - Subcutaneous Injection
Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.
Reconstitution Instructions
Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to your freeze-dried 5mg vial = 1.67 mg/mL concentration.
Vial Size
5mg vial with 3.0mL bac water (1.67 mg/mL)
| Dose | Units on Syringe | Volume (mL) | Protocol |
|---|
Always use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.
Safety & Precautions
Do not use if you:
- Are allergic to Cortagen or any components
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Storage Instructions:
- Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 4°C (39.2°F) short-term or freeze at -20°C (-4°F) long-term
- After reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F)
- Avoid freeze-thaw cycles after reconstitution
Warning: If you experience severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or signs of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical help.
References
- Khavinson VKh, Fedoreyeva LI, Vanyushin BF. Site-specific binding of short peptides with DNA modulated eukaryotic endonuclease activity. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2011 May;151(1):66-70
- Granstrem K, et al. Cortagen protects brain against ischemic damage in experimental models of focal and incomplete global ischemia. Journal of Peptide Science. 2010
- Adriani W, et al. Modulatory effects of cortexin and cortagen on locomotor activity and anxiety-related behavior in mice. Open Neuropsychopharmacology Journal. 2009;2:22-29
- Khavinson VKh, et al. Epigenetic regulation of aged heterochromatin by peptide bioregulator Cortagen. Springer. 2014
- Khavinson VKh, Lezhava TA, Malinin VV. Effects of short peptides on lymphocyte chromatin in senile subjects. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003
- Khavinson VKh, et al. Tissue-specific effects of peptides. Adv Gerontol. 2002
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Last updated: August 2026