Cartalax (Ala‑Glu‑Asp) is classified among the Khavinson bioregulatory peptides—ultrashort peptides that may interact with DNA and modulate gene expression at nanomolar concentrations[1][4]. The peptide sequence corresponds to a motif found in the alpha‑1 chain of type XI collagen, a structural protein important for cartilage integrity[5]. In preclinical fibroblast and chondrocyte culture models, Cartalax has been reported to upregulate Ki‑67 (a proliferation marker), increase SIRT‑1/SIRT‑6 expression, reduce p53 and caspase‑3 activity (pro‑apoptotic signals), and inhibit MMP‑9 synthesis (an enzyme linked to extracellular matrix degradation)[2][3][6].
