Selank: Anxiolytic Peptide Research and GABA Pathway Modulation
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, based on the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that improves stability against enzymatic degradation. It is studied primarily as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) research peptide.
Like its frequently paired counterpart Semax, Selank comes from a substantial Eastern European research tradition and is used as a neuropeptide reagent for studying peptide modulation of behaviour and stress responses in animal models.
GABAergic and neurotrophic signalling
GABA pathway modulation. Preclinical studies associate Selank with modulation of the GABAergic system — the brain’s principal inhibitory neurotransmitter pathway — which is a common research target for anxiolytic activity. Rodent models have examined Selank’s association with reduced anxiety-like behaviour without the sedation typical of classical GABA-A modulators.
BDNF and monoamine signalling. Research has also examined Selank’s association with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and with serotonergic signalling, as well as its reported effect on the stability of enkephalins (endogenous opioid peptides) by influencing their enzymatic breakdown.
Selank and Semax
Selank is frequently studied alongside Semax in cognitive and neuropeptide research. The two are associated with complementary pathways — Semax with neurotrophic (BDNF/NGF) signalling and Selank with GABAergic and anxiolytic modulation — so they are often examined together. See the Semax research overview for the paired mechanism. Both sit within neuropeptide research.
Velox Peptides supply information
Velox Peptides supplies Selank as a lyophilised powder at ≥98.9% HPLC-verified purity with a batch certificate of analysis available on request. For reconstitution, see the reconstitution calculator. Supplied strictly as a research reagent for in vitro use.
References & further reading
- Kozlovskaya MM, Kozlovskii II, Val’dman EA, Seredenin SB. “Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behaviour.” Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology, 2003.
- Zozulia AA et al. “Efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of a new peptide anxiolytic Selank.” review literature, 2008.
Summaries are paraphrased from the peer-reviewed literature. For full source citations, email veloxpeps@gmail.com.