Selank

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is derived from tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), with the addition of a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that increases its stability and extends its duration of action.

The peptide was developed in anxiolytic and nootropic research. Published studies examine its effects on neurotransmitter systems, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and immune function.

Selank's mechanism involves multiple neurobiological systems:

GABAergic Modulation Selank influences GABA-A receptor expression and function, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission. This is studied as the basis of its anxiolytic-like activity in animal models.

Monoamine System Effects The peptide affects serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolism, with studies suggesting a modulating rather than directly stimulating or inhibiting action.

BDNF Enhancement Selank increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a crucial protein for neuroplasticity, learning, and memory. This may underlie its nootropic properties.

Immune Modulation As a tuftsin derivative, Selank retains immunomodulatory properties, affecting cytokine production and immune cell function.