Molecular data
| Molecular formula | C33H57N11O8 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 751.88 Da |
| Sequence | H-Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH |
| Sequence length | 7 residues |
| CAS / identifier | 129954-34-3 |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder |
| Available sizes | 10mg |
How it works
GABA-A Receptor Modulation
Research indicates Selank modulates GABAergic neurotransmission, including GABA-A receptor activity and expression of GABAergic system components. This mechanism is associated with the anxiolytic effects observed in preclinical animal models and early clinical studies, without the sedative or dependency concerns seen with classical benzodiazepines.
- Modulates GABA-A receptor subunit expression
- Anxiolytic effects without benzodiazepine-type sedation
- No reported physical dependence in preclinical models
BDNF & Enkephalin Upregulation
Selank research demonstrates upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and enhancement of enkephalin metabolism. BDNF supports neuroplasticity and synaptic maintenance. Stabilization of enkephalin levels may contribute to the observed mood and cognitive effects in preclinical studies.
- Increases BDNF expression in hippocampal regions
- Stabilizes enkephalin via enkephalinase inhibition
- Modulates serotonin and dopamine turnover
Tuftsin-Derived Immune Regulation
Selank is derived from the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a proline-glycine-proline extension that enhances stability. Research demonstrates it modulates cytokine production including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression, supporting its investigation as an anxiolytic with immunomodulatory properties.
- Derived from tuftsin (natural immunomodulator)
- Modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression
- Influences interferon alpha/gamma signaling pathways
What the research shows
Anxiolytic Mechanisms
Preclinical studies demonstrate anxiolytic effects in elevated plus maze and open field tests, attributed to GABAergic modulation. Selank shows anxiolytic activity comparable to diazepam without sedative side effects in rodent models.
Semenova et al. 2010
Memory & Learning
Research reports improved learning and memory consolidation in animal models of stress-induced cognitive impairment. BDNF upregulation and enkephalin stabilization are proposed as underlying mechanisms supporting synaptic plasticity.
Kozlovskaya et al. 2008
Cytokine & Immune Modulation
Studies report Selank modulates expression of interleukin-6, TNF-α, and interferon signaling pathways, consistent with its tuftsin-derived immunomodulatory origin. Investigated as a model for peptide-based neuroimmunomodulation research.
Zozulya et al. 2012
Transcriptomic Studies
Gene expression studies identify Selank-induced changes in transcription of genes related to serotonin, dopamine metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. Provides a molecular pharmacology research framework for peptide-based anxiolytics.
Inozemtseva et al. 2009
Specification
| Chemical Name | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (Selank) |
|---|---|
| Sequence | H-Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro-OH |
| Molecular Weight | 751.88 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C33H57N11O8 |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Testing | Third-party HPLC, Mass Spec, Endotoxin |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C for long-term stability |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8°C, use within 30 days |
| Solubility | Water or bacteriostatic water |
| COA | Included with every order |
Frequently asked questions
What is Selank and where does it originate?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (7 amino acids) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is derived from the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), which is a natural fragment of IgG immunoglobulin. A Pro-Gly-Pro extension was added to increase the peptide's stability and half-life. Selank is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic drug for generalized anxiety disorder and neurasthenia.
How does Selank work as an anxiolytic?
Selank's anxiolytic effects are attributed to multiple mechanisms. Research indicates it modulates GABA-A receptor expression and GABAergic neurotransmission, similar to but distinct from benzodiazepines. It also upregulates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), stabilizes enkephalin levels by inhibiting enkephalinase, and modulates serotonin and dopamine metabolism — creating a multi-target anxiolytic profile.
Is Selank approved by the FDA?
No. Selank is not approved by the FDA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It is approved in Russia under the brand name Selank for anxiety and neurasthenic conditions. Western clinical trial data is very limited, and most published research originates from Russian institutions. It is sold here for in vitro research use only.
What makes Selank different from benzodiazepines?
Research suggests Selank modulates GABAergic activity through a different mechanism than benzodiazepines. Preclinical studies show anxiolytic effects without the sedation, motor impairment, or physical dependence observed with classical benzodiazepines. Selank appears to act as an anxioselective agent — reducing anxiety-related behaviors without producing sedation at effective doses in rodent models.
What is the relationship between Selank and the immune system?
Selank is derived from tuftsin, a natural tetrapeptide with well-documented immunostimulatory properties. Research demonstrates Selank modulates cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α, interferon signaling) and may act as a neuroimmune bridge. This dual neurological and immunological activity makes it of interest in neuroimmunomodulation research, investigating links between anxiety, stress, and immune function.
How should research-grade Selank be stored?
Lyophilized Selank should be stored at -20°C away from moisture and light. Once reconstituted in sterile or bacteriostatic water, it should be kept at 2–8°C and used within 30 days. The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension improves Selank's resistance to proteolytic degradation compared to tuftsin, contributing to greater stability in biological research conditions.
Literature
- PubMed The Peptide Selank Inhibits Anxiety and Cognitive Deficits
- PubMed The Nootropic and Neuroprotective Properties of Selank in a Model of Neurodegeneration
- PubMed Immunomodulating Activity of Selank and Its Analogs in Animal Models of Immune Disorders
- PubMed Effect of Selank on Gene Expression in the Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, or medical product; not for human or animal use. All findings referenced are from published preclinical/laboratory research.