Prostamax (KEDP)
Synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro) studied for chromatin de-heterochromatinization and gene-expression modulation in immune cells and prostate-related models.
⚡ Executive Summary
Prostamax (KEDP: Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro) is a synthetic tetrapeptide researched for chromatin de-heterochromatinization and gene-expression effects that may normalize age-related changes in cells. Preclinical data in lymphocytes show measurable thermal shifts (~2.9°C) consistent with chromatin relaxation. Also studied in prostate explant and rat models. Research-only — no clinical approvals.
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Overview
🧬 What is Prostamax?
Prostamax is the tetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro (KEDP) studied as a peptide bioregulator that can alter chromatin architecture and gene expression in cells.
Part of the “Khavinson peptides” family — short regulatory peptides studied for epigenetic modulation via chromatin remodeling.
🎯 Key Features
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Chromatin opening — de-heterochromatinization
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Gene activation — ribosomal gene expression
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Prostate focus — explant & rat models
Research only: Prostamax is NOT an approved therapy. It is a research compound used under laboratory conditions only. No robust randomized clinical trials demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in humans.
Naming note: You may see “ProstaMax,” “KEDP,” or “H-KEDP-OH” — these refer to the same tetrapeptide. This is DISTINCT from herbal “ProstaMax” supplements (e.g., saw palmetto blends).
Entity Properties
| Aliases | Prostamax, KEDP, H-Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro-OH |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro (K-E-D-P) |
| Length | 4 amino acids (tetrapeptide) |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₀H₃₃N₅O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | ~487.5 Da |
| PubChem CID | 9848296 |
| CAS Number | Not assigned in major registries |
| Family | Short Khavinson peptides; epigenetic/chromatin remodeling |
| Diluent(s) | Sterile water, bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), 0.9% saline |
| Research Conc. | 2–400 ng/mL (explants); ~20 ng/mL typical; 0.1 μg s.c. daily × 10 days (rat) |
| Storage (dry) | 4°C short-term, −20°C long-term, protected from light |
| Storage (solution) | 2–8°C short-term; avoid freeze-thaw; aliquot recommended |
Mechanism of Action
🧠 How does Prostamax work?
Prostamax is investigated for epigenetic activity — specifically, for promoting chromatin de-heterochromatinization (opening) and ribosomal gene activation. This potentially normalizes age-related chromatin compaction.
Short regulatory peptides have been modeled to bind DNA promoter motifs, supporting a plausible gene-regulatory mechanism distinct from receptor agonism.
🔓 Chromatin Opening
Relaxes condensed 30-nm chromatin fibers into 10-nm filaments → more transcriptionally accessible
📈 Gene Activation
Activates ribosomal genes; increases silver-stained NOR (AgNOR) activity in lymphocytes
🧬 DNA Binding
Short peptides modeled to bind DNA promoter motifs; affects pericentromeric chromatin
Bench-level readout: Prostamax’s chromatin thermal-shift signature (ΔTd ≈ −2.9°C / −1.0°C) can function as a QC marker to confirm chromatin-relaxing effect in lymphocyte assays — a practical biophysical measure.
Research Evidence
🔬 Preclinical Findings
Human Lymphocytes (ex vivo)
Produced 2.9°C and 1.0°C downward thermal shifts consistent with partial relaxation of chromatin fibers
Elderly Subjects’ Lymphocytes
Activated ribosomal genes and decondensed densely packed chromatin regions in aged cells
Aging Chromatin Remodeling
De-heterochromatinization in aged cohorts; selective modulation of pericentromeric chromatin
Prostate Models (Patent)
Rat chronic bacterial prostatitis: 0.1 μg s.c. daily × 10 days; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant indices reported
Evidence limitations: All data is preclinical (cell/ex vivo/animal). No robust randomized clinical trial evidence demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in humans. Patents provide experimental details but are not clinical trials.
Research Handling
Research use only. Follow your institution’s SOPs, biosafety rules, and local regulations. Lab handling should comply with USP ⟨797⟩ sterile compounding standards.
Prepare Sterile Workspace
Certified environment per USP ⟨797⟩: garbing, aseptic technique, disinfection, environmental controls.
Choose Diluent
Sterile water, bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi-dose, or 0.9% saline.
Reconstitute Gently
Room temperature; add diluent slowly along glass wall; swirl don’t shake. Brief sonication if needed.
Calculate Concentration
20 mg + 10 mL = 2 mg/mL stock. Adjust with C1V1=C2V2 for working concentrations (2–400 ng/mL).
Aliquot & Store
Aliquot to minimize freeze-thaw. Lyophilized: 4°C to −20°C. Solutions: 2–8°C short-term.
Document Everything
Label with concentration, diluent, date, BUD. Document method, deviations, and disposal.
Comparison
How does Prostamax compare to other prostate-related interventions? Prostamax is a research peptide focused on chromatin/epigenetic modulation; clinical BPH/CPPS management relies on well-studied pharmacologic classes.
Prostamax (KEDP)
Chromatin de-heterochromatinization. Gene-expression modulation. Preclinical data in lymphocytes and prostate models. Not FDA-approved.
α-Blockers
Relax prostatic/urethral smooth muscle. RCTs show efficacy for CP/CPPS & LUTS in select patients. Guideline-directed use.
Saw Palmetto
Proposed 5α-reductase inhibition. High-quality trials & Cochrane: no meaningful benefit vs placebo for LUTS/BPH.
Prostatilen/Samprost
Tissue-derived peptides. Variable composition. Mostly regional legacy data; limited high-quality RCTs. Not FDA-approved in U.S.
FAQ
Bottom line: Prostamax (KEDP) is a research-only peptide with preclinical evidence of chromatin remodeling — producing measurable thermal shifts and gene activation in lymphocyte models. It is not a medical treatment. Clinical prostate/LUTS management should use evidence-based pharmacotherapy (e.g., α-blockers) under physician guidance.