Vilon is the synthetic dipeptide L-lysyl-L-glutamic acid, abbreviated Lys-Glu or KE. It is one of the shortest compounds in the “peptide bioregulator” literature and has a molecular mass of 275.30 g/mol—not approximately 1.5 kDa.
What Are the Key Vilon Research Specifications?
| Specification | Research record |
|---|---|
| Compound | Vilon |
| Category | misc |
| Listed purity | >99% |
| Molecular weight | 275.30 g/mol for L-Lys-L-Glu |
| Intended use | Laboratory research only |
What is the structure of Vilon?
Vilon has formula C11H21N3O5 and consists of L-lysine joined to L-glutamic acid by one peptide bond. Stereochemistry matters: L-Lys-L-Glu is not the same compound as a bacterial-peptidoglycan-associated L-Lys-D-Glu stereoisomer. The free dipeptide, a counterion salt and a protected synthetic intermediate also have different masses.
Vilon emerged from a Russian thymic-peptide research programme. It should not be conflated with Thymalin, a thymus extract, or Thymogen, the Glu-Trp dipeptide.
What mechanism has been proposed for Vilon?
Published studies have reported immune-cell, chromatin and lifespan-associated endpoints in cell or animal models. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of gene expression and direct interactions between short peptides and DNA. Much of the direct-DNA-binding model is supported by docking or work from the originating research network, so it remains a hypothesis requiring independent biophysical validation.
There is no well-established classical cell-surface receptor for Vilon. Broad statements about “immune regulation” should therefore be replaced by the exact cell type, exposure, transcript or functional readout measured.
Which experiments can test Vilon specifically?
Use L-Lys-L-Glu with sequence- and stereochemistry-matched documentation. Include free lysine plus glutamate, the reversed dipeptide Glu-Lys and an appropriate stereoisomer control. For gene-expression studies, pre-register candidate genes, correct for multiple testing and validate RNA changes at the protein or functional level. Claimed DNA binding should be tested with SPR, ITC, NMR or electrophoretic methods rather than docking alone.
How Should Vilon Be Handled and Verified?
Small, highly polar peptides may be poorly retained by generic reversed-phase HPLC methods. Confirm identity by LC-MS and, for a reference standard, NMR; use an assay method validated for the dipeptide. Record salt form, water content and pH. Prepare stocks gravimetrically with the correct formula mass, use single-use aliquots and establish stability in the selected buffer.
Which Sources Support Vilon Research?
- Khavinson and Anisimov, early mouse study of synthetic Vilon, PMID 10944717.
- Morozov and Khavinson, distinction between thymic extracts and synthetic dipeptides, DOI: 10.1016/S0192-0561(97)00058-1.
How Can Vilon Results Be Interpreted Without Overclaiming?
Begin interpretation with a falsifiable question and a predeclared primary readout. For Vilon, chemical identity, target engagement and downstream phenotype are separate layers. A change in migration, viability or gene expression does not by itself prove the proposed molecular target. Report negative and null findings, not only the largest response. Show individual observations, biological replicates and uncertainty intervals, and identify whether replication means a new well, a new culture, a new animal or a new day.
A citable Vilon result states the species, cell line or biochemical system; exact molecular form; concentration and exposure; comparator; assay method; and statistical unit. Confirm that vehicle, pH, osmolality or precipitation did not create the phenotype. Conclusions should stay at the level tested: in vitro activity is not evidence of organism-level efficacy, and an animal phenotype is not a human claim.
Is Vilon for Research Use Only?
Vilon is supplied for laboratory research only. It is not for human or veterinary use.
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What Are Common Questions About Vilon?
What is Vilon?
Vilon is the synthetic dipeptide L-lysyl-L-glutamic acid, abbreviated Lys-Glu or KE. It is one of the shortest compounds in the “peptide bioregulator” literature and has a molecular mass of 275.30 g/mol—not approximately 1.5 kDa.
How should researchers verify Vilon?
Confirm the exact molecular form on the lot certificate and pair chromatographic purity with an orthogonal identity method such as mass spectrometry or NMR. Use the molecular weight, counterion and content stated for that verified form when calculating molarity.
Is Vilon intended for human use?
Vilon is listed for controlled laboratory research only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use.