Overview
Semax and Selank are two synthetic peptides that have been extensively studied in neuropeptide research. Both were originally developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences and have been the subject of numerous published studies examining their interactions with neurological signaling pathways.
This comparison presents the key molecular and research differences between these compounds based on peer-reviewed literature. For research reference only.
Molecular Comparison
| Property | Semax | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide Type | Synthetic heptapeptide (ACTH 4-10 analog) | Synthetic heptapeptide (Tuftsin analog) |
| Sequence | Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro | Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro |
| Molecular Weight | 813.93 g/mol | 751.88 g/mol |
| Derived From | ACTH/MSH family (melanocortin pathway) | Tuftsin (immunomodulatory tetrapeptide) |
| Primary Research Focus | BDNF expression, neurotrophin signaling | GABA receptor interactions, anxiolytic pathways |
Research Background: Semax
Semax has been investigated in numerous preclinical studies examining its influence on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression. Published research has examined its effects on neurotrophin signaling cascades in cell culture and animal models (Dolotov et al., 2006, Neuroscience Letters).
Additional studies have investigated Semax in the context of cerebrovascular biology, examining gene expression changes related to neuroprotective pathways in preclinical stroke models (Medvedeva et al., 2014, BMC Genomics).
Research Background: Selank
Selank research has focused primarily on its interactions with GABAergic signaling systems. Studies have examined its influence on GABA receptor expression and related anxiolytic pathway modulation in preclinical models (Seredenin et al., 2009, Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine).
Published research has also investigated Selank in the context of immune system signaling, examining its effects on cytokine gene expression patterns derived from its tuftsin backbone (Uchakina et al., 2008, International Immunopharmacology).
Key Differences
- Semax research centers on neurotrophin (BDNF/NGF) expression and melanocortin pathway interactions
- Selank research focuses on GABAergic signaling and immunomodulatory pathway interactions
- Both share the C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro sequence, which has been studied for its influence on peptide stability
- Semax is derived from the ACTH fragment, while Selank is derived from the immunopeptide tuftsin
Availability
Both Semax and Selank are available from Aureum Peptides at 99%+ purity with COA. View our Neuropeptide Research collection.
References
- Dolotov OV, et al. (2006). “Semax, an analog of ACTH(4-10) with cognitive effects, regulates BDNF and trkB expression.” Neuroscience Letters, 398(1-2), 18-23.
- Medvedeva EV, et al. (2014). “Effect of Semax and its C-terminal peptide PGP on gene expression.” BMC Genomics, 15(1), 228.
- Seredenin SB, et al. (2009). “GABAergic pathway modulating effect of Selank.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 148(1), 72-75.
- Uchakina ON, et al. (2008). “Immunomodulatory effects of Selank.” International Immunopharmacology, 8(9), 1274-1282.
Disclaimer: All products are intended strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption. This comparison presents published scientific data and does not constitute research information.
