Overview

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (7 amino acids) derived from the endogenous immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. In research settings, Selank is used as a molecular probe to explore how short regulatory peptides can influence neurotransmission-related signaling, gene-expression programs, and neuroimmune communication in controlled experimental models.

The information below summarizes published laboratory and preclinical findings. It does not imply approved medical use.

Biochemical characteristics

• Sequence: Thr–Lys–Pro–Arg–Pro–Gly–Pro (TKPRPGP)
• Molecular formula: C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉
• Molecular weight: 751.9 g/mol
• CAS: 129954-34-3
• Synonyms: Selanc, TP-7 (usage varies by source)

Pathway and mechanistic context

Published mechanistic work has investigated Selank in relation to GABAergic signaling and broader neurotransmission pathways. Transcriptomic and pathway analyses in some models report changes in expression of genes associated with neurotransmission, including genes linked to the GABA signaling pathway. Other experiments suggest Selank may influence GABA–GABA_A receptor interactions in a model-dependent manner, highlighting that observed effects can vary by cell type and experimental design.

Preclinical research themes reported in the literature

Across in-vitro and animal studies, Selank has been examined for its associations with:

• Neurotrophic signaling: reports of altered BDNF expression in rodent hippocampus following intranasal administration in vivo.
• Monoamine metabolism: experimental work in rats evaluating effects on serotonin (5-HT) metabolism under specific depletion paradigms.
• Endogenous peptide turnover: biochemical studies reporting inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes in serum and related assay systems.
• Neuroimmune signaling: studies describing changes in inflammation- and cytokine-related gene expression (e.g., spleen) and cytokine balance readouts in relevant models.

Important: these are model-specific research observations. They do not establish clinical efficacy, safety, or outcomes for non-research use.

Research applications

Selank is used in preclinical and laboratory environments to study peptide-driven modulation of signaling networks. Common research uses include:

• Gene expression profiling related to neurotransmission pathways
• Studies of GABA-associated signaling in neural tissues or cell models
• Enkephalinase / peptidase assays examining endogenous peptide degradation
• Immune transcription and cytokine/chemokine pathway readouts in experimental systems
• General stability, handling, and analytical characterization workflows for short peptides

Form and analytical testing

Selank for laboratory work is commonly supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) material to support stability and accurate handling. Identity and purity are typically verified using:

• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography)
• MS (mass spectrometry)

If available for your batch, provide your COA / HPLC / MS documentation alongside the listing.

Storage and handling (general lab guidance)

• Keep dry and protected from light: lyophilized peptides can absorb moisture; minimize air exposure.
• Temperature: for longer storage, keep lyophilized peptides cold (commonly ≤ −20 °C; lower temperatures are often preferred for extended storage).
• Before opening a cold vial: allow it to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation and moisture uptake.
• If preparing solutions: aliquot to minimize freeze–thaw cycles; solutions are generally less stable than the dry form.
• Solubility varies: solvent choice and stability depend on sequence, concentration, pH, and temperature—test with a small aliquot first.

RUO disclaimer

For Research Use Only (RUO). Products sold by Trusted Peptides are intended solely for in-vitro laboratory research. They are not medicines or drugs and are not approved to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease.

Not for human or veterinary use. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic use.

Selected references

1. Volkova A, et al. Selank Administration Affects the Expression of Some Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission. Front Pharmacol. 2016. Full text (PMC) • Journal
2. Inozemtseva LS, et al. Intranasal administration of the peptide Selank regulates BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus in vivo. Dokl Biol Sci. 2008. PubMed
3. Semenova TP, et al. Comparison of the effects of selank and tuftsin on the metabolism of serotonin in the brain of rats pretreated with PCPA. 2009. PubMed
4. Zozulya AA, et al. The inhibitory effect of Selank on enkephalin-degrading enzymes. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2001. PubMed
5. Kolomin T, et al. Expression of inflammation-related genes in mouse spleen under tuftsin analog Selank. Regul Pept. 2011. PubMed
6. PubChem (NIH). Selank (CID 11765600). PubChem
7. Bachem. Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides. Guide
8. Sigma-Aldrich. Storage and Handling Synthetic Peptides (PDF). PDF
9. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Handling and Storage Instructions – Standard Peptides (PDF). PDF