Selank: Tuftsin Analog — GABAergic Modulation and Neurotrophic Factor Research
Development History
Selank (TP-7) was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences by Myasoedov and colleagues in the 1990s. It is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) derived from the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) heavy chain. Tuftsin was itself discovered in 1970 by Victor Najjar at Tufts University (hence the name) and was initially characterized for its immunomodulatory properties, particularly phagocyte activation.
Selank extends the tuftsin sequence with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide motif, yielding the full sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (MW ~752 Da). This glyproline extension was engineered to confer resistance to aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase degradation, significantly extending the peptide's biological half-life compared to native tuftsin.
Chemical Structure and Stability
The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension is a recurring structural motif in Russian bioregulator peptide design, appearing in several Myasoedov laboratory compounds. The polyproline content (3 of 7 residues) promotes an extended polyproline II (PPII) helical conformation that contributes to the peptide's resistance to serum proteases. Selank is supplied as a white lyophilized powder, soluble in water and aqueous buffers.
Published Research
GABAergic System Interactions
Studies using rat hippocampal slice preparations and primary neuronal cultures have demonstrated that selank modulates GABA-A receptor function, specifically enhancing benzodiazepine binding site sensitivity. This interaction has been a major focus of the preclinical literature.
Neurotrophic Factor Expression
In vitro and preclinical studies have demonstrated selank-mediated upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in hippocampal tissue. BDNF is a neurotrophin critical for synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and neuronal survival signaling through TrkB receptor activation.
Serotonergic System
Research has examined selank's effects on serotonin (5-HT) metabolism, including modulation of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity and serotonin transporter (SERT) expression in brain tissue homogenates.
Gene Expression Profiling
Microarray studies have identified selank-responsive gene clusters involved in inflammatory cytokine signaling, neurotransmitter metabolism, and immune system regulation, suggesting a broader mechanism of action than initially anticipated from its tuftsin-derived structure.
Future Research Directions
Active areas include elucidation of selank's definitive receptor binding target (the complete mechanism remains under investigation), characterization of its effects on hippocampal long-term potentiation in electrophysiology models, and comparative studies with other tuftsin-derived analogs to establish structure-activity relationships for the neuropeptide pharmacophore.
Available at Crush Research: Selank 10mg. View Certificates of Analysis.
All products are intended for in vitro and laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.