Description
Chemical Identity
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide with the molecular formula C33H57N11O9 and a molecular weight of 751.9 Da (CAS number 129954-34-3). The amino acid sequence is Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, consisting of the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro extension at the C-terminus. Developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Selank is approved in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic compound.
The Pro-Gly-Pro extension serves dual purposes: it enhances metabolic stability by protecting against carboxypeptidase degradation, and this tripeptide sequence itself (glyproline) possesses independent neuromodulatory properties.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C33H57N11O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 751.9 Da |
| CAS Number | 129954-34-3 |
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Research Status | Approved in Russia (anxiolytic/nootropic) |
Research Overview
Selank has been investigated in clinical and preclinical research spanning anxiolytic effects, cognitive enhancement, immunomodulation, and gene expression regulation. The mechanism of action is multimodal: the tuftsin component activates phagocytic immune cells through the neuropilin-1 receptor and Fc receptor system, while the compound as a whole modulates monoamine neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) and influences the expression of neurotrophic factors including BDNF.
Selank has been shown to modulate the expression of over 50 genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses, suggesting a broad regulatory role at the transcriptional level.
Key areas of published research include:
- Anxiolytic Effects: Clinical studies in Russia have demonstrated that Selank (administered intranasally) reduces anxiety symptoms comparable to benzodiazepines but without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence liability. This profile led to its approval as an anxiolytic in Russia.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Research has shown improvements in learning, memory consolidation, and attention in both animal models and human studies, potentially mediated through BDNF upregulation and monoamine system modulation.
- Immunomodulation: The tuftsin-derived component activates innate immune cells, and Selank has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects across multiple immune parameters in preclinical and clinical studies.
Selank is approved in Russia but not in North America or Europe. Clinical evidence is primarily from Russian-language publications.
Specifications
All Selank supplied by Prescott Bio Canada is manufactured to research-grade standards.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purity | >98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | -20°C, protected from light |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2-8°C, use within 30 days |
| Solubility | Soluble in bacteriostatic water, sterile water, or normal saline |
Each vial is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting purity, identity, and endotoxin testing.
Research Applications
Selank is supplied exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory research. Published experimental applications include:
- Anxiolytic mechanism research and GABA/serotonin system modulation studies
- Cognitive enhancement and BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity research
- Immunomodulation and tuftsin receptor pharmacology
- Gene expression profiling and transcriptomic regulation studies
- Monoamine neurotransmitter system modulation research
Researchers should consult the primary literature and institutional review protocols before designing experiments with Selank.
Storage and Handling
Lyophilized powder: Store at -20°C in the original sealed vial, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, Selank maintains stability for up to 24 months.
Reconstituted solution: Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile water. Store reconstituted Selank at 2-8°C and use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Handling precautions: This product is intended for research use only (RUO). Not for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handle using standard laboratory safety practices including appropriate PPE.