Research Profile — Cognitive Enhancement Research

Selank: Complete Research Profile & Scientific Data

TP-7Selanc

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences as a stabilized analog of tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory peptide. By appending a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence to the tuftsin tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), researchers created a compound with enhanced metabolic stability that retains immunomodulatory activity while exhibiting additional neurotropic effects. Selank has been studied for anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), nootropic (cognitive-enhancing), and immunomodulatory properties. It has been approved as an anxiolytic medication in Russia and continues to be investigated in preclinical research globally for its effects on neurotransmitter systems, neurotrophic factor expression, and immune function.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number	129954-34-3
Molecular Formula	C33H57N11O9
Molecular Weight	751.87 g/mol
Amino Acids	7
Sequence	Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Purity	≥99% (HPLC)
Appearance	White lyophilized powder
Salt Form	Acetate
Solubility	Soluble in water
Storage	-20°C lyophilized, 2-8°C reconstituted

Origin & Discovery

Selank was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences by combining the sequence of the endogenous immune peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with a stabilizing Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide. This modification was designed to increase metabolic stability while preserving the biological activity of the tuftsin fragment.

Mechanism of Action

Selank modulates multiple neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic pathways, distinguishing it from single-target anxiolytic compounds. Monoamine Modulation: Selank influences the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in brain regions associated with emotional regulation. It has been shown to stabilize enkephalin levels and modulate their degradation, contributing to mood-regulating effects. GABA-A Receptor Modulation: Selank affects GABA-A receptor subunit expression, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory tone. Unlike benzodiazepines, which directly potentiate GABA-A receptor function, Selank appears to modulate receptor expression at the transcriptional level, potentially offering anxiolytic effects without the sedation and dependence associated with direct GABA-A agonism. BDNF Expression: Selank upregulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) expression, a key mediator of neuroplasticity, learning, and memory consolidation. BDNF elevation is considered neuroprotective and may underlie Selank's observed cognitive-enhancing properties. Enkephalin Stabilization: Selank inhibits enzymes that degrade enkephalins, endogenous opioid peptides involved in mood regulation and stress response. This stabilization of enkephalin levels may contribute to its anxiolytic profile. Tuftsin-Derived Immunomodulation: The tuftsin portion of Selank activates natural killer cells and macrophage phagocytic activity, providing immunostimulatory effects that are distinct from its neurotropic actions.

Anxiolytic Effects

Selank's anxiolytic properties have been characterized in multiple animal behavioral models. Zozulya et al. (2001) demonstrated that Selank reduced anxiety-like behavior in elevated plus maze and open field tests without producing sedation or motor impairment. Kasian et al. (2017) further characterized Selank's anxiolytic profile, showing that repeated administration produced sustained reductions in anxiety markers with no evidence of tolerance development. These findings suggest a mechanism distinct from benzodiazepines, which typically produce tolerance with repeated use.

Citations

Zozulya AA, et al. (2001) "Selank anxiolytic effects in behavioral models."
Kasian A, et al. (2017) "Sustained anxiolytic effects of Selank without tolerance."

Cognitive Enhancement & Neuroprotection

Kozlovskii et al. (2003) reported that Selank enhanced learning and memory performance in rodent models, with effects observed in both passive avoidance and active avoidance paradigms. Volkova et al. (2016) demonstrated that Selank modulated gene expression in the hippocampus, with significant changes in genes related to neurotransmitter transport, signal transduction, and ion channel function. The breadth of gene expression changes suggests that Selank's cognitive effects involve coordinated modulation of multiple neural systems rather than a single target.

Citations

Kozlovskii II, et al. (2003) "Selank enhances learning and memory in rodents."
Volkova A, et al. (2016) "Selank gene expression changes in hippocampus."

Immunomodulatory & Antiviral Properties

The tuftsin-derived component of Selank provides immunomodulatory activity. Ershov et al. (2009) demonstrated that Selank exhibited antiviral activity against influenza virus in cell culture models, with effects attributed to enhanced interferon production and natural killer cell activation. Lesnikov et al. (2008) characterized Selank's immunostimulatory profile, showing enhanced monocyte and macrophage activity without excessive inflammatory activation. These dual neurotropic-immune properties make Selank unique among research peptides.

Citations

Ershov FI, et al. (2009) "Selank antiviral activity and interferon modulation."
Lesnikov VA, et al. (2008) "Selank immunostimulatory properties."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selank?▼

Selank is a synthetic 7-amino-acid peptide developed by the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is a stabilized analog of tuftsin, an endogenous immune peptide, with added Pro-Gly-Pro for metabolic stability. It is studied for anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory properties.

How does Selank compare to Semax?▼

Both are Russian-developed heptapeptides studied for cognitive enhancement. Selank is derived from tuftsin with anxiolytic and immunomodulatory properties. Semax is derived from ACTH(4-10) with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Selank has stronger anxiolytic data; Semax has stronger neuroprotection data.

What is the CAS number of Selank?▼

The CAS registry number for Selank is 129954-34-3.