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Selank Research Reference

Tuftsin-derived heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) · Peptidase, gene-expression and neuropeptide research

Classification

TYPE

Synthetic heptapeptide (tuftsin analogue)

Domain

Neurochemical Research Peptides

Format

Lyophilized reference compound

Quick Specs

Molecular Weight

751.9 g/mol

Purity

≥98% (HPLC)

Storage

−20 °C, desiccated

Appearance

White lyophilized powder

Solubility

Soluble in water

01

Research Overview

Selank is a synthetic seven-residue peptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro. It combines tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a naturally occurring immunoregulatory tetrapeptide, with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension added to improve stability. It was developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Research on Selank has focused on its effects on neurotransmitter-related gene expression, enkephalin-degrading enzymes and immune signalling in cell and animal models. It is supplied as a lyophilized reference material for in vitro research only.

02

Structural & Sequence Context

Selank has two clear parts.

Tuftsin core (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg)
The first four residues reproduce tuftsin, a fragment of the immunoglobulin G heavy chain. The lysine and arginine make this region strongly basic.

Pro-Gly-Pro extension
Three residues added to the C-terminus slow enzymatic breakdown. The same Pro-Gly-Pro tail is used in Semax.

Charge and termini
With free N- and C-termini, one lysine and one arginine, Selank carries a net positive charge of about +2 at neutral pH and is very water-soluble.

No sensitive side chains
There is no methionine, cysteine, tryptophan or asparagine, so oxidation, disulfide and deamidation issues are minimal.

03

Mechanistic Research Context

Published studies describe several lines of research.

GABAergic gene expression
Animal studies have reported changes in the expression of genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission after Selank administration.

Enkephalinase inhibition
In vitro work has shown inhibition of enzymes that break down enkephalins, which has been proposed as one contributor to its reported effects.

Neurotrophic and immune signalling
Studies have examined effects on BDNF expression in brain tissue and on cytokine and inflammation-related gene expression.

Degradation fragments
Selank is broken down quickly in biological fluids, and some of its fragments, such as Gly-Pro, have been studied for their own activity.

These findings are cited as research context only; no effects are claimed for this material.

04

Laboratory Applications

Peptide stability studies
A model for comparing the stability of tuftsin with a Pro-Gly-Pro-extended version, and with N-acetylated and C-amidated analogues.

Enzyme assays
Used in assays of enkephalin-degrading enzymes and other peptidases.

Gene expression studies
A reference compound in cell and tissue experiments measuring neurotransmitter- and immune-related gene expression.

Analytical reference
A small, basic peptide useful for testing HPLC and LC-MS methods for polar peptides.

05

Stability & Handling

Storage
Store the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, sealed and desiccated. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.

Reconstitution
Very soluble in water and aqueous buffers.

Enzymatic breakdown
Selank is cleaved quickly by peptidases in serum and tissue preparations. Use protease inhibitors or short incubation times where intact peptide is needed.

Solutions
Prepare fresh or freeze single-use aliquots; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Use low-binding polypropylene tubes.

06

Analytical & Purity Considerations

Selank is a small, polar, basic peptide.

HPLC
Elutes relatively early on reversed-phase C18 columns. A low starting organic content and ion-pairing with TFA improve retention and peak shape. Detect at about 214 nm; there are no aromatic residues.

Mass spectrometry
Positive-mode ESI shows [M+H]⁺ at m/z 752.4 and [M+2H]²⁺ at m/z 376.7 (monoisotopic). MS/MS gives proline-directed fragments for sequence confirmation.

Impurity profile
Typical checks include truncated sequences (such as loss of the Pro-Gly-Pro tail), deletion sequences from synthesis and counter-ion content.

07

Technical Specifications

Analytical Data & Molecular Properties
Sequence
Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro
Molecular Formula
C₃₃H₅₇N₁₁O₉
CAS Number
129954-34-3
Molecular Weight
751.9 g/mol
Purity
≥98% (HPLC)
Storage
−20 °C, desiccated
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Solubility
Freely soluble in water
08

Cross-Referenced Materials

09

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selank derived from?

It is the tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) extended at the C-terminus with Pro-Gly-Pro to improve stability, giving Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro.

How does Selank differ from N-Acetyl Selank Amidate?

Selank has free N- and C-termini. N-Acetyl Selank Amidate has an acetyl group on the N-terminus and an amide at the C-terminus, which block terminal peptidases and change its charge and mass (about 792.9 versus 751.9 g/mol).

Why does Selank break down quickly in biological samples?

It is a short peptide with free termini, so peptidases in serum and tissue can cleave it rapidly. Its Pro-Gly-Pro tail slows but does not stop this.

Which wavelength should be used for HPLC detection?

About 214 nm. Selank has no aromatic residues, so it absorbs very little at 280 nm.

What does Selank have in common with Semax?

Both carry the same C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension, added for stability. Their N-terminal parts come from different sources: tuftsin for Selank and an ACTH fragment for Semax.

Is Selank intended for human or veterinary use?

No. It is supplied strictly as a reference compound for laboratory and analytical research and is not for human or animal use.

10

How to Cite This Reference

Selank Research Reference. (2026). Pure Peptides Labs Research Catalogue. Retrieved from https://purepeptideslabs.net/research-catalogue/neurochemical-research-peptides/selank/

Available for Research

Materials listed on this platform are supported by independent testing and published documentation for laboratory research contexts.

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