Selank Peptide for In Vitro Research: A Synthetic Anxiolytic Heptapeptide with Nootropic and Immunomodulatory Properties

CAS Number: 129954-34-3

Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed as a derivative of the human immunomodulatory peptide Tuftsin. Originally designed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank combines the immunoregulatory effects of Tuftsin with added central nervous system activity. It is primarily researched for its anxiolytic, nootropic, and neuroprotective effects, showing promise in the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, cytokine balance, and neurotrophic signaling pathways.

Selank is widely used in in vitro studies to explore neuroimmune interactions, stress response mechanisms, cognitive enhancement, and the modulation of gene expression related to inflammation and mental health.

Chemical and Structural Information

• Synonyms: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro; TP-7
• Molecular Formula: v
• Molecular Weight: 751.89 g/mol
• Amino Acid Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
• CAS Number: 129954-34-3
• Chemical Modifications: C-terminal amidation for enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation and improved receptor binding kinetics.
• Peptide Class: Synthetic tuftsin analog with extended neuroactive profile

Mechanism of Action

Selank exerts multi-modal biological effects through several well-characterized pathways:

• GABAergic Modulation: Enhances the expression and sensitivity of GABA_A receptors, contributing to its anxiolytic and anti-stress properties.
• Monoamine Regulation: Modulates turnover and release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in neuronal cultures.
• Neurotrophin Enhancement: Upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other growth factors involved in synaptic plasticity and learning.
• Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) while boosting anti-inflammatory markers such as IL-10.
• Gene Expression Modulation: Alters transcription profiles related to immune signaling, synaptic proteins, and oxidative stress responses.

Research Applications

1. Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Models

• Exhibits significant anxiolytic activity in vitro without the sedative or addictive effects associated with benzodiazepines.
• Regulates CRH and ACTH signaling in stress-exposed neural models, supporting its role in HPA axis balance.

2. Cognitive Enhancement and Synaptic Plasticity

• Enhances memory formation, attention, and learning behaviors in hippocampal and cortical cultures.
• Increases synaptic density and promotes LTP via BDNF upregulation.

3. Neuroprotection and Oxidative Stress

• Protects neurons from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and oxidative damage in in vitro models.
• Preserves mitochondrial integrity and reduces lipid peroxidation under stress conditions.

4. Immunomodulation

• Modulates macrophage and T-cell cytokine production.
• Enhances resistance to immunosuppression in chronic stress or infection models.

Future Research Directions

• Development of Selank analogs and conjugates with enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability or longer half-lives.
• Studies into combination therapies with BDNF modulators, adaptogens, or cognitive enhancers.
• Further gene expression profiling to understand long-term epigenetic effects on stress and cognition.
• Investigation into topical or intranasal delivery methods for localized neuroimmune modulation.

References

1. Andreeva, L.A. et al. (2010). Selank regulates gene expression related to inflammation and neuroprotection. Molecular Biology Reports, 37(7), 3093–3098.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19943119
2. Ashmarin, I.P. et al. (2005). The anxiolytic and nootropic effects of Selank in animal models. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 35(3), 319–324. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15986810
3. Myasoedov, N.F. et al. (2000). Synthetic Tuftsin analogs as immunomodulators: The case of Selank. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 26(11), 799–803.
4. Strekalova, T. et al. (2006). Selank enhances antidepressant activity and BDNF expression in rodents. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 16(6), 433–439. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16545855

Product Specifications

• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: ≥ 98% (HPLC Verified)
• Solubility: Soluble in sterile water, PBS, or saline
• Storage: Store at -20°C; protect from light and moisture
• Shelf Life: 24 months if stored properly

Disclaimer

This product is intended for research purposes only. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, nor is it intended for clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic applications. All research must comply with applicable local laws and institutional guidelines. Misuse of this compound for human consumption is strictly prohibited.