Selank
A synthetic tuftsin-derived heptapeptide studied for GABAergic modulation and anxiolytic-type endpoints in laboratory models.
Overview
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in the 1990s at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin (the tetrapeptide Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), extended at the C-terminus with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide.
As with Semax, the appended Pro-Gly-Pro motif is understood to improve metabolic stability and prolong activity relative to the parent peptide. In the research literature Selank is studied primarily for anxiolytic-type endpoints and GABAergic mechanisms in animal models, while also retaining tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory properties of interest in research settings.
Molecular Profile
Mechanism of Action
Findings below are drawn from published in-vitro and animal-model research:
- GABAergic gene-expression modulation: In rat frontal-cortex studies, Selank altered the expression of multiple genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission; the literature proposes allosteric modulation of the GABAergic system as one candidate mechanism (Volkova et al., 2016).
- Regulation of hippocampal BDNF: Intranasal Selank has been reported to regulate hippocampal BDNF expression in vivo in rats, linking it to the neurotrophin system (Inozemtseva et al., 2008).
- Effects on serotonin metabolism: Animal studies report changes in brain 5-HT / 5-HIAA turnover following Selank administration, implicating serotonergic metabolism in its observed effects.
- Tuftsin-derived immunomodulation: As a tuftsin analogue, Selank is reported to influence enkephalin-degrading enzyme activity and to modulate immune / cytokine endpoints (e.g. IL-6, Th1/Th2 balance) in research models, reported as mechanistic context.
Key Published Research
Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission
Volkova A, et al. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2016; 7:31
Real-time PCR analysis in rat frontal cortex showing Selank alters expression of neurotransmission genes; proposes allosteric modulation of GABA receptors as a candidate mechanism.
Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo
Inozemtseva LS, et al. Doklady Biological Sciences. 2008; 421:241-243
Demonstrates that intranasal Selank modulates hippocampal BDNF expression in living rats, connecting Selank to neurotrophin regulation.
Expression of inflammation-related genes in mouse spleen under tuftsin analogue Selank
Kolomin T, et al. Regulatory Peptides. 2011
Examines Selank's immunomodulatory dimension, reporting changes in inflammation-related gene expression in mouse spleen, illustrating the tuftsin-derived immune side of Selank.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilised (unreconstituted):Store at -20°C for long-term stability. Keep sealed and away from light and moisture.
Reconstituted:Store at 2-8°C. Use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Recommended solvent: Bacteriostatic water or sterile water for laboratory use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selank derived from?
It is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous immunopeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), extended with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide that is understood to increase metabolic stability.
Which mechanisms are most studied in the literature?
Anxiolytic-type endpoints associated with GABAergic gene-expression modulation, hippocampal BDNF regulation, effects on serotonin metabolism, and tuftsin-derived immunomodulation, all in in-vitro and animal models.
What form and purity does ERC supply for research?
Lyophilised powder at ≥98% HPLC purity, intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory research only.
Disclaimer: This information is compiled from published peer-reviewed literature and is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Selank sold by Enhanced Research Compounds is intended exclusively for in-vitro research and laboratory use. It is not a therapeutic good, is not listed on the ARTG, and is not approved for human or animal consumption.