Selank: The Anxiolytic Heptapeptide in Tuftsin and GABA Research
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide — sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro — derived from tuftsin, a naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide. Developed in Russia, it is studied as an anxiolytic research compound whose mechanism is described across GABAergic, monoaminergic, and BDNF pathways rather than direct sedative receptor binding.
This deep-dive covers what Selank is, how its mechanism is described in the research literature, and how it is handled in the lab — all for laboratory use only.
What Is Selank?
Selank is built from the tuftsin sequence (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail that improves stability. It was developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences together with the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology.
- Class: synthetic anxiolytic heptapeptide, a tuftsin analog
- Sequence: Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro · CAS 129954-34-3
- Format: lyophilized powder, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for research
- Research focus: anxiolytic activity, neurotransmitter regulation, and immune modulation
How Selank Works in Research
Rather than binding a receptor like a classic sedative, Selank is studied for indirect modulation of several systems at once.
- GABAergic pathway: research reports changes in the expression of genes tied to GABA neurotransmission, associated with anxiolytic rather than sedative-hypnotic profiles.
- Monoamine & BDNF: modulation of serotonergic signaling and increases in BDNF in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex have been reported in rodent models.
- Enkephalin stability: Selank is studied for slowing the breakdown of endogenous regulatory peptides, extending their activity.
A frequently noted feature across this work is that the anxiolytic profile in animal models appears without the sedation or dependence associated with some conventional anxiolytics.
Selank & Semax — Companion Research Peptides
Selank is often studied next to Semax. Both are short synthetic Russian peptides that resist rapid degradation thanks to a Pro-Gly-Pro tail, but they come from different parents: Selank from tuftsin (studied for calm/anxiolytic activity) and Semax from ACTH (studied for cognition). Researchers frequently reference them together.
Handling Selank in the Lab
Selank arrives as a lyophilized powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.
- Store the lyophilized powder cold and protected from light; long-term storage is at -4°F.
- After reconstitution, keep it refrigerated at 36–46°F and treat it as a short-shelf-life item.
- Minimize freeze-thaw cycles and vial punctures to protect integrity.
- Judge quality by the lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity, mass-spec identity), not the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selank?
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the immunopeptide tuftsin. It is studied in research on anxiolytic activity, neurotransmitter regulation, and immune modulation, and is supplied strictly for laboratory use.
How does Selank work in research?
Rather than binding a receptor directly, Selank is studied for indirect modulation of GABAergic and monoaminergic signaling, increases in BDNF, and slowed breakdown of endogenous regulatory peptides. In animal models this anxiolytic profile is reported without sedation or dependence. These are research findings, not medical claims.
What is the Selank peptide sequence?
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro — the tuftsin sequence (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability. CAS 129954-34-3.
How is Selank different from Semax?
Both are synthetic Russian research peptides often studied together, but Selank is a tuftsin analog studied mainly for anxiolytic activity, while Semax is an ACTH analog studied mainly for cognition and neuroprotection.
How is Selank stored and handled?
It ships as a lyophilized powder stored cold (long-term at -4°F) and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Once mixed, keep it refrigerated at 36–46°F, minimize freeze-thaw cycles, and use it within a short window. This is storage guidance for research supplies, not medical advice.
Is Selank approved for human use?
No. Selank is a research compound supplied for laboratory use only. It is not a medicine, is not approved for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is medical advice.
References
Peer-reviewed research and recognized standards that support the statements above. We cite primary sources so you can verify the science yourself. These references are provided for research context only and are not medical advice.
- Kozlovskaya MM, et al. Selank and short peptides of the tuftsin family in the regulation of adaptive behavior in stress. Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2003;33(9):853–860. View source →
- Volkova A, et al. GABA, Selank, and Olanzapine Affect the Expression of Genes Involved in GABAergic Neurotransmission in IMR-32 Cells. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:89. View source →
- Kolomin T, et al. Selank, peptide analogue of tuftsin, protects against ethanol-induced memory impairment by regulating BDNF content in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2019. View source →
FOR LABORATORY AND RESEARCH USE ONLY. Golden State Bio supplies research-use-only chemicals for qualified researchers. Not for human or veterinary use; not evaluated by the FDA. Nothing here is medical advice.