Cartalax

Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator designed to support the health of cartilage and connective tissues. By modulating gene expression and cellular pathways, it promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and may counteract age-related degenerative processes in the musculoskeletal system. Cartalax (AED) is a synthetic peptide composed of alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. It belongs to the Khavinson class of tissue-specific bioregulators and is designed to act directly on the molecular machinery of connective tissue cells. Cartalax primarily targets fibroblasts and chondrocytes—the key cell types responsible for maintaining cartilage structure and integrity. Through epigenetic modulation, it influences cell survival, proliferation, inflammation resolution, and extracellular matrix remodeling, offering broad support for joint and skeletal health.

- Managing osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or spinal degeneration

- Enhance cartilage resilience and joint mobility

- Recovering from orthopedic injuries or surgeries

- Prevent musculoskeletal decline with aging

- Support joint health for high-impact sports

Mechanism of Action

How this peptide works in the body

DNA Binding and Epigenetic Regulation

Cartalax binds selectively to specific regulatory DNA motifs and interacts with chromatin-associated proteins, altering local gene accessibility. This promotes transcription of tissue repair genes while silencing inflammatory and catabolic pathways in fibroblasts. Epigenetic modulation may involve histone methylation shifts and DNA methyltransferase interference, supporting long-term genomic reprogramming of connective tissue cells.

Transcription Factor Modulation

Cartalax has been shown to upregulate proliferative markers such as Ki-67 and downregulate apoptotic regulators including p53 and Bax. These effects enhance fibroblast survival and replication. In addition, modulation of E2F and SIRT6 pathways may contribute to increased cell cycling and protection from DNA damage.

Cytokine and Inflammatory Pathway Reprogramming

By influencing the NF-κB signaling axis, Cartalax suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in synovial and chondrocytic environments. It may also inhibit the JAK/STAT cascade, reducing chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to cartilage degradation and fibrosis.

Extracellular Matrix and MMP Regulation

Cartalax regulates the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (notably MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13), reducing cartilage matrix breakdown. Simultaneously, it supports the synthesis of collagen type II, aggrecan, and decorin, stabilizing the extracellular scaffold crucial for joint integrity and resilience.

Cellular Senescence and Anti-Aging Mechanisms

Cartalax has demonstrated the ability to reduce expression of senescence markers like p16^INK4a and p21^CIP1, while enhancing SIRT6---a key regulator of chromatin stability, telomere integrity, and genomic repair. This suggests it slows biological aging in joint and skeletal tissues by restoring youthful transcriptional programs.

Mitochondrial Support and Oxidative Stress Response

Preliminary data suggest that Cartalax enhances mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) via upregulation of antioxidant genes under Nrf2 control. This supports energy production and redox homeostasis in metabolically active connective tissues under stress or injury conditions.