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Selank in Mexico: heptapeptide analog of Tuftsin with GABAergic modulation

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of Tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension. Russian research characterizes it by modulation of the GABAergic and serotonergic systems.

Selank in Mexico: heptapeptide analog of Tuftsin with GABAergic modulation

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Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of Tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension. Russian research characterizes it by modulation of the GABAergic and serotonergic systems.

Executive summary

Selank (Selank, CAS 129954-34-3, molecular formula C33H57N11O9, molecular weight 751.88 g/mol) is the subject of growing interest in preclinical research owing to its modulation of GABA-A and serotonergic receptors in preclinical anxiolytic research. This technical guide brings together molecular characterization, mechanism of action, bibliographic evidence with DOI/PubMed, and handling considerations for research use only.

Regulatory notice. This material is exclusively for in vitro and preclinical research use. It does not constitute a clinical or therapeutic recommendation.

What is Selank?

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is an analog of the endogenous tetrapeptide Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers greater resistance to serum peptidases.

Key molecular data

ParámetroValor
Nombre comúnSelank
Nombre internacionalSelank
CAS129954-34-3
Molecular formulaC33H57N11O9
Molecular weight751.88 g/mol
Research categoryNeuropeptides
Pureza EXOMAReverse-phase HPLC per batch
CertificadoChromasys COA with MS, peptide, acetate/TFA, residual water, and endotoxins

Mechanism of action

Its mechanism of action is multifactorial: preclinical studies describe modulation of GABA-A receptors, increased BDNF expression in limbic structures, and modulation of monoamines (serotonin, dopamine). These findings have positioned Selank as a frequent subject of non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic research in Russian literature.

The mechanistic characterization available in indexed literature (PubMed, Web of Science) allows Selank to be categorized as a research subject of high interest in its category. The most-cited publications are reproduced in the section Bibliographic evidence below.

Documented lines of research

The available preclinical literature addresses mainly:

  1. Pharmacokinetic characterization: in vivo studies in murine and porcine models on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the analog.
  2. Receptor mechanisms: competitive binding assays with radioligands to map affinity and selectivity for target receptors.
  3. Animal efficacy models: preclinical assays on the phenotypic effect attributable to the peptide in models of the pathology under study.
  4. In vitro stability and formulation: evaluation of the chemical and biological stability of the peptide under different storage and reconstitution conditions.

For an updated systematic review, the researcher is recommended to consult the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases using the term Selank.

Bibliographic evidence

Handling, reconstitution, and storage

Receipt and verification. Each lyophilized vial of Selank is shipped with its corresponding certificate of analysis (COA) issued by Chromasys, which includes identity by mass spectrometry, purity by reverse-phase HPLC, peptide content by amino acid analysis, residual acetate/TFA, residual water by Karl Fischer and endotoxins by LAL.

Standard reconstitution (research protocol). The standard procedure for sterile reconstitution is as follows:

  1. Disinfect with isopropyl alcohol the rubber stoppers of the lyophilized Selank vial and of the vial of bacteriostatic water (BAC).
  2. Aspirar el volumen calculado de BAC con jeringa de insulina estéril (consultar la EXOMA reconstitution calculator).
  3. Inject the solvent slowly, resting the needle against the inner wall of the vial — never directly onto the lyophilized powder, to avoid aggregation and denaturation.
  4. Gently roll the vial between your fingers until a clear solution is obtained. Never shake.
  5. Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated (2–8 °C) protected from light. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage of the lyophilizate. Refrigerated at 2–8 °C protected from light until the retest date indicated in the batch's COA.

Products available at EXOMA

All presentations are shipped with a batch COA and meet the reverse-phase HPLC purity standard. The larger-mass presentation usually offers the lowest cost per milligram.

Logistics and delivery

Additional resources


This guide is educational content aimed at researchers. The information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. All data are reproduced for technical purposes and to support research-material procurement decisions. Bibliographic references are available on PubMed/DOI for independent verification.


References

Material for research use only. Verified primary sources supporting the scientific claims of this article:

  1. Zozulia AA, Neznamov GG, Siuniakov TS, et al. Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(4):38-48. PMID 18454096. (human)
  2. Volkova A, Shadrina M, Kolomin T, et al. Selank administration affects the expression of some genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7:31. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00031. PMID 26924987. (animal)
  3. Inozemtseva LS, Karpenko EA, Dolotov OV, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Dokl Biol Sci. 2008;421:241-243. doi:10.1134/S0012496608040066. PMID 18841804. (animal)
  4. Kasian A, Kolomin T, Andreeva L, et al. Peptide Selank enhances the effect of diazepam in reducing anxiety in unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions in rats. Behav Neurol. 2017;2017:5091027. doi:10.1155/2017/5091027. PMID 28280289. (animal)
  5. Konstantinopolsky MA, Chernyakova IV, Kolik LG. Selank, a peptide analog of tuftsin, attenuates aversive signs of morphine withdrawal in rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2022;173(6):730-733. doi:10.1007/s10517-022-05624-x. PMID 36322304. (animal)

See also

Literature on the compounds cited

  • Sobre Selank: Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic selank in the therapy of generalized anxiety disorders and neurasthenia (Zozulia, et al. · Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2008) PMID 18454096.
  • Sobre Selank: Peptide-based Anxiolytics: The Molecular Aspects of Heptapeptide Selank Biological Activity (Vyunova, et al. · Protein & Peptide Letters · 2018) PMID 30255741.
  • Sobre Selank: Efficacy of peptide anxiolytic selank during modeling of withdrawal syndrome in rats with stable alcoholic motivation (Kolik, et al. · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2014) PMID 24913576.