Selank: Structure, Research Overview and Specifications
Selank is a synthetic seven-amino-acid peptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) based on tuftsin, a natural immunomodulatory peptide. It was developed in Russia and is studied in research on anxiety-related behaviour, GABAergic signalling and neuro-immune interaction. This page summarises its chemistry, the published research and the specifications of the material we supply.
For in vitro research use only. Not for human or animal use. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is Selank?
Selank is a short synthetic peptide created by adding a three-amino-acid “tail” (Pro-Gly-Pro) to tuftsin, a naturally occurring four-amino-acid peptide. The extra residues make the molecule more resistant to breakdown by enzymes, so it remains active for longer than tuftsin itself.
In the research literature, Selank is studied mainly for its effects on anxiety-related behaviour in animal models and on the expression of genes involved in nerve signalling and immune function.
Chemical data
| Name | Selank |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (TKPRPGP) |
| Length | 7 amino acids |
| Molecular formula | C33H57N11O9 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 751.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 129954-34-3 |
| Parent peptide | Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) |
| Form supplied | Lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder |
Origin: built on tuftsin
Tuftsin is a four-amino-acid peptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) released from part of the immunoglobulin G antibody molecule. It is known for stimulating immune cells such as macrophages, but it is broken down quickly in the body.
Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences together with the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology. By attaching a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to tuftsin, researchers created a more stable peptide that showed effects on behaviour in animal studies, in addition to the immune activity associated with tuftsin.
Proposed mechanisms studied
- GABAergic signallingStudies report that Selank changes the expression of genes involved in GABA neurotransmission, the brain’s main inhibitory signalling system.
- Enkephalin breakdownResearch suggests Selank may inhibit enzymes that degrade enkephalins, natural peptides involved in stress and pain signalling.
- BDNF expressionAnimal studies have reported changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus.
- Immune signallingIn line with its tuftsin origin, Selank has been studied for effects on cytokine expression, including interleukin-6.
What the published research shows
Anxiety-related behaviour in animal models
Early studies in rodents reported that Selank reduced anxiety-related behaviour in stress models, without the sedation typically associated with benzodiazepine-type compounds in the same tests.
Gene expression in the brain
Later laboratory work measured how Selank affects the expression of dozens of genes linked to GABAergic neurotransmission, suggesting it may modulate this system indirectly rather than binding directly to GABA receptors.
Neurotrophic factors
Studies in rats reported increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus after Selank administration, a finding of interest in research on learning and memory.
Clinical research in Russia
Small clinical studies in Russia have examined Selank in anxiety disorders. These studies are limited in size and have not been replicated in large international trials.
Limitations of the evidence
- Most research comes from a small number of Russian research groups, with limited independent replication.
- Much of the evidence is from animal models, which do not necessarily translate to humans.
- Clinical studies are small and many are not available in English-language peer-reviewed journals.
- The exact molecular target of Selank has not been clearly identified.
Regulatory status
Selank is registered as a medicine in Russia, but it is not approved in the UK, the EU or the US. The Selank we supply is a research-grade compound, not a licensed medicinal product, and is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research. It is not intended for human or animal use.
Storage and handling in the lab
- Store lyophilised powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture, for long-term stability.
- Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
- Once reconstituted for experiments, keep refrigerated (2–8 °C) and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Selank is water-soluble; prepare working solutions as needed for each experiment.
Quality
Every batch of Selank we supply is independently tested for purity by Janoshik using HPLC before it is released for sale. Read more on our Quality & Testing page.
Related research compounds
Frequently asked questions
What is Selank made from?
Selank is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids: threonine, lysine, proline, arginine, proline, glycine and proline. It combines the natural peptide tuftsin with a stabilising Pro-Gly-Pro sequence.
What is tuftsin?
Tuftsin is a natural four-amino-acid peptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) released from immunoglobulin G. It stimulates immune cells such as macrophages but is broken down quickly, which is why the more stable analogue Selank was developed.
What is Selank studied for?
It is mainly studied for effects on anxiety-related behaviour in animal models, and on genes involved in GABAergic signalling, BDNF and immune function.
Is Selank approved in the UK?
No. Selank is registered in Russia but is not approved in the UK, the EU or the US. Our product is a research-grade compound supplied strictly for laboratory research.
How should Selank be stored?
Lyophilised Selank should be stored at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions should be kept refrigerated and not repeatedly frozen and thawed.
References
- Kozlovskaya MM, et al. Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behavior in stress. Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology. 2003;33(9):853–860.
- Zozulya AA, et al. The inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes as a possible mechanism of its anxiolytic activity. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001;131(4):315–317.
- Inozemtseva LS, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Doklady Biological Sciences. 2008;421:241–243.
- Volkova A, et al. Selank administration affects the expression of some genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2016;7:31.
This page is for scientific information only. Sterling Peptides Ltd supplies Selank strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or animal use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Questions: [email protected]