Livagen (KEDA)
Ultrashort tetrapeptide bioregulator studied for its ability to loosen age-condensed chromatin and normalize gene activity in older cells through epigenetic remodeling.
⚡ Executive Summary
Livagen (KEDA: Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) is a tetrapeptide bioregulator investigated for epigenetic effects — specifically, opening compacted chromatin to restore youthful gene expression in aging cells. Studies report chromatin decondensation, improved protein synthesis rhythms, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects, and potent inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes (without opioid receptor binding). Research use only; not FDA approved.
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Overview
🧬 What is Livagen?
Livagen is an ultrashort tetrapeptide bioregulator (sequence: Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) derived from peptide-bioregulator research in gerontology.
Its defining action is remodeling heterochromatin — reversing age-related chromatin compaction that represses gene transcription.
🎯 Key Actions
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🔓
Chromatin opening — de-heterochromatinization
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📈
Gene reactivation — ribosomal genes, rDNA
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🛡️
Enkephalinase inhibition — without receptor binding
Research only: Livagen is an experimental research compound, not an approved drug. Clinical-grade trials are limited; most evidence is preclinical or ex vivo.
Entity Properties
| Aliases | Livagen, KEDA tetrapeptide, “liver peptide bioregulator” |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala (K-E-D-A) |
| Length | 4 amino acids |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₁N₅O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | ~461.5 Da |
| PubChem CID | 87919683 |
| Family | Ultrashort peptide bioregulator; epigenetic remodeling |
| Diluent(s) | Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) or sterile saline |
| Concentration | 20 mg + 2 mL = 10 mg/mL; 5 mg dose = 0.5 mL |
| Storage (dry) | Frozen ≤ −20°C, protected from light; stable long-term |
| Storage (solution) | Refrigerate; aliquot to minimize freeze-thaw; less stable |
CAS Note: No validated CAS exists for KEDA on PubChem. Do not use CAS 195875-84-4 — that belongs to tesofensine, not Livagen.
Mechanism of Action
🧠 How does Livagen work?
Livagen’s primary action is remodeling chromatin — opening age-compacted regions (de-heterochromatinization) so key genes can be transcribed again. This reverses age-related chromatin condensation that silences transcription.
In human lymphocytes from older donors, Livagen activated ribosomal genes and relaxed pericentromeric heterochromatin — changes consistent with restoring protein-synthetic capacity.
🔓 Chromatin Opening
De-heterochromatinization of age-compacted DNA regions → genes become accessible for transcription
📈 Gene Reactivation
Ribosomal genes (rDNA) reactivated → restored protein-synthetic capacity in aged cells
🛡️ Enkephalinase Inhibition
Inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes (IC₅₀ ≈ 20 µM) without binding opioid receptors
Unique mechanism: Unlike opioid drugs, Livagen preserves natural analgesic peptides (enkephalins) by blocking their breakdown — not by activating opioid receptors directly.
Research Evidence
🔬 Key Preclinical Findings
Chromatin & Gene Activation
Human lymphocytes: decondensed heterochromatin, activated rDNA, restored transcription in aged cells
Protein Synthesis Rhythms
Rat hepatocytes: increased amplitude of protein-synthesis oscillations in old animals
Digestive Enzyme Modulation
Normalized GI enzyme activity in opposite directions by age (down in young, up in old)
Oral Stability Signal
Weakly hydrolyzed by intestinal peptidases in rats — unusual for a peptide
Hepatoprotective Effects
Normalized immune/antioxidant status and liver function in hepatitis/fibrosis models
Opioid System Support
Potent enkephalinase inhibition (IC₅₀ ≈ 20 µM) without μ/δ receptor binding
Limitations: Most evidence is preclinical (cell cultures, animal models). Human clinical trials are limited. Related bioregulators (Thymalin, Epitalon) have broader clinical literature.
Research Handling
Research use only. The following is educational guidance for laboratory handling — not medical advice or treatment protocols.
Confirm Identity
Verify sequence (KEDA), formula (C₁₈H₃₁N₅O₉), purity from COA. Archive supplier details.
Plan Concentration
Target 10 mg/mL: 20 mg + 2 mL diluent. Record batch, lot, date for traceability.
Reconstitute Gently
Inject bac water down vial wall; swirl don’t shake until dissolved. Avoid foaming.
Calculate Dose
At 10 mg/mL: 5 mg = 0.5 mL (50 units on U-100 syringe). Double-check math.
Aliquot & Store
Aliquot to minimize freeze-thaw. Powders at ≤ −20°C; solutions refrigerate short-term.
Monitor & Document
Track predefined markers (chromatin assays, enzyme activity). Record any deviations.
Comparison
How does Livagen compare to other peptide bioregulators? Each has a distinct primary mechanism while sharing some epigenetic/immune effects.
Livagen
Chromatin de-heterochromatinization. Opens age-compacted DNA, reactivates ribosomal genes. Hepatoprotective. Potent enkephalinase inhibitor.
Epitalon
Telomerase activation. Telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Genomic stability focus. Weaker enkephalinase effect (IC₅₀ ≈ 500 µM).
Thymalin
Immune status normalization. Broader clinical literature. Used in immunopathologies and older/immunocompromised groups.
Vilon
Chromatin reactivation. Similar epigenetic mechanism to Livagen. Immune-modulation in models. Dipeptide (shorter than Livagen).
Key distinction: Livagen emphasizes chromatin remodeling in immune/hepatic contexts; Epitalon emphasizes telomerase/telomeres; Thymalin/Vilon emphasize immune regulation.
FAQ
Bottom line: Livagen’s value proposition is epigenetic — selectively “opening” aging chromatin to restore gene activity, with preclinical signals across immune, hepatic, and neuropeptide pathways. Its unique enkephalinase inhibition (without opioid binding) distinguishes it from related bioregulators. Rigorous clinical validation is still needed.