Selank Lyophilized Powder

Overview

Selank (CAS 129954-34-3) is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro (molecular weight ~751 Da) developed by Valdman, Seredenin, and colleagues at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Its structural design extends the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) — a naturally occurring immunomodulatory fragment of the IgG heavy chain — with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension that substantially increases metabolic stability by conferring resistance to enzymatic degradation by serum endopeptidases. The result is a peptide that retains the immunomodulatory properties of the tuftsin scaffold while adding a distinct central nervous system pharmacological profile that tuftsin itself does not possess.

Selank’s research profile spans two primary areas: central nervous system pharmacology and immune modulation. In the CNS domain, preclinical studies have examined Selank’s interaction with the GABAergic system — reporting effects on benzodiazepine receptor binding and GABA-A receptor function that may account for observed anxiolytic activity without the sedative or dependence liability associated with classical benzodiazepine compounds. Additional CNS research has investigated Selank’s effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in hippocampal tissue, enkephalin turnover, and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, positioning it as a compound of interest in cognitive function and neuroplasticity research. In the immune domain, Selank has been studied for regulation of IL-6, IL-1β, and interferon-gamma production, consistent with its structural relationship to tuftsin’s known immunomodulatory activity.

Technical Specifications

Key Research Findings

Semenova et al. characterized Selank’s behavioral pharmacology in rodent models, reporting anxiolytic effects in elevated plus maze and open field paradigms at doses that did not produce sedation or motor impairment — a profile distinct from classical benzodiazepines that produce equivalent anxiolytic effects alongside sedation and ataxia. The mechanism proposed involved selective modulation of GABAergic transmission via allosteric interaction with GABA-A receptors, supported by pharmacological antagonism data showing partial blockade of Selank’s anxiolytic effects by GABA-A receptor antagonists. This mechanistic framework suggested a different receptor interaction profile from full benzodiazepine agonists, which has driven interest in Selank as a tool compound for dissecting the pharmacology of anxiety-related neural circuits.

Uchakina et al. investigated Selank’s immunological effects in clinical research subjects, reporting alterations in cytokine production profiles — specifically modulation of interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma levels — consistent with the immunomodulatory properties predicted from Selank’s structural relationship to tuftsin [1]. Research by Filatova et al. examined Selank’s effects on BDNF mRNA expression in frontal cortex and hippocampus in rodent models following stress exposure, finding upregulation of BDNF expression in stressed animals treated with Selank compared to vehicle — a finding that has contributed to discussion of Selank’s potential relevance for neuroplasticity and stress resilience research [2]. Selank’s dual CNS/immune research profile distinguishes it from related peptides such as Semax (which has a more CNS-focused mechanism) and from its tuftsin parent compound (which has minimal CNS activity).

Selank vs. Semax: Structural and Research Differences

Selank and Semax are the two most widely researched synthetic neuropeptides developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences program and are frequently evaluated in parallel. The key distinctions relevant to raw material sourcing and research design:

• Origin scaffold: Selank is derived from tuftsin (an immune peptide); Semax is derived from ACTH(4-7) (a pituitary hormone fragment)
• Primary research profile: Selank — anxiolytic/GABAergic and immunomodulatory; Semax — cognitive enhancement/dopaminergic and neuroprotective
• Molecular weight: Selank ~751 Da (heptapeptide); Semax ~598 Da (heptapeptide with C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension on ACTH scaffold)
• CAS numbers: Selank 129954-34-3; Semax 80714-61-0

Both are available from Vitaconin as lyophilized powder with individual batch COA documentation. See also: Semax and Selank: Structural Differences and Research Applications

Why Purity Matters

Selank’s pharmacological profile depends on the intact heptapeptide sequence, particularly the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers metabolic stability over tuftsin. Truncated analogues or synthesis byproducts lacking this extension will have substantially reduced half-life in biological systems and different receptor interaction profiles. HPLC purity at ≥99% combined with MS confirmation of the correct molecular weight (~751 Da) ensures that research preparations correspond to the characterized compound rather than metabolically labile structural variants. For in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assays requiring reproducible results, individual batch COA documentation is the appropriate quality benchmark.

References:
[1] Uchakina ON, et al. Immunomodulating effects of selank in patients with anxiety-asthenic disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2008;108(5):71–5.
[2] Filatova EV, et al. Effects of Selank on the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in the regulation of the GABAergic system. Mol Biol (Mosk). 2012;46(3):453–7.

Quality & Documentation

Each batch of Selank lyophilized powder is individually tested before shipment. Included with every order:

• HPLC purity verification (≥99%)
• Mass spectrometry (MS) identity confirmation
• Batch number for full traceability

COA available upon request before order commitment.

Ordering Information

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FAQ

Q: What is the relationship between Selank and tuftsin?
Tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) is an endogenous tetrapeptide fragment of the IgG heavy chain with immunomodulatory activity, but it is rapidly degraded in serum by endopeptidases. Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) extends the tuftsin sequence with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide that substantially increases resistance to enzymatic degradation, extending the effective research window of the compound and adding a CNS pharmacological profile not present in tuftsin itself.

Q: How does Selank differ from Semax?
Selank and Semax are structurally unrelated peptides with different parent scaffolds and distinct primary research applications. Selank (CAS 129954-34-3, tuftsin derivative) is primarily studied for anxiolytic and immunomodulatory effects via GABAergic pathways. Semax (CAS 80714-61-0, ACTH derivative) is studied for cognitive and neuroprotective effects via dopaminergic and BDNF pathways. Both are available from Vitaconin with individual COA.

Q: What documentation is provided with each order?
Each order of Selank lyophilized powder includes a COA with HPLC purity data, MS identity confirmation, and batch number. COA is available before order commitment upon request.

Q: Is there a minimum order quantity?
No minimum order is required. We supply any quantity — contact us for pricing and lead time on your specific order size.

Q: Is Selank available in liquid formulation?
Yes, liquid formulation is available on request. Please specify your preferred concentration, solvent, and vial size when inquiring.

Q: How should Selank be stored?
Store unreconstituted lyophilized Selank at −20°C, sealed, away from light and moisture. Shelf life is 24 months under proper conditions. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within the timeframe specified in the COA.

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