Selank

About Selank

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It is a stabilized analogue of the naturally occurring immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (a fragment of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin IgG), extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide "tail." It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences together with the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology as a peptide candidate with anxiolytic and nootropic properties.

How it works

In research, Selank acts in a multimodal way without binding directly to the benzodiazepine site: it modulates the GABAergic system (including effects on the expression of genes for GABA-A receptor subunits) and the monoamine systems — serotonergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic. Studies have also shown increased expression of the neurotrophic factor BDNF in the hippocampus, effects on enkephalin metabolism, and regulation of the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Adding the Pro-Gly-Pro sequence increases the molecule's metabolic stability compared with the original tuftsin.

What's studied / benefits

• In preclinical and limited clinical studies, it demonstrates anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) activity comparable to low doses of benzodiazepines, but without pronounced sedation, cognitive impairment, or the development of tolerance or dependence
• Increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus is linked to neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and the formation of long-term memory
• Its effects on attention, concentration, and mental performance are under study (a nootropic profile)
• Immunomodulatory properties have been identified — a shift in the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, which is being studied in the context of anxiety-asthenic states
• Some studies report antiviral activity of the analogue against influenza and herpes viruses

Research applications

• Research into generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neurasthenia as a peptide anxiolytic
• Study of cognitive effects — memory, attention, and mental resilience to stress
• Research into neurotrophic mechanisms through BDNF modulation
• Study of immunomodulatory and antiviral properties in models

Of interest to: It typically appeals to researchers in neuropeptides and psychopharmacology, as well as biohackers and athletes exploring nootropic and anti-stress compounds; the material is supplied strictly for laboratory research.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Selank is intended for laboratory research use only — not for human consumption, medical or diagnostic use.