The short version of tuftsin fits in a sentence. The long version — which is the one that helps — is below.
This page was last updated on 2026-01-13 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is the standard technique for estimating peptide purity. The result is a peak-area percentage, which describes how much of the detected material elutes as the main peak in one run. Mass spectrometry confirms the molecular mass and can reveal truncated, adducted, or otherwise modified species. Amino acid analysis or tandem mass spectrometry can address sequence fidelity when identity is in doubt. None of these measurements, taken alone, establishes that a sample is fit for any specific purpose.
Lyophilized selank is normally supplied as a dry powder and is considered stable for extended periods when kept cold and dry. Moisture uptake is the main practical threat, because absorbed water promotes both hydrolysis and aggregation in the solid state. Vials are usually warmed to room temperature before opening so that condensation does not form on the powder. Supplier documentation commonly specifies -20 °C for routine storage, with -80 °C used for material intended to be archived for years.
The compound was designed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences during the 1980s and 1990s. The stated design goal was to retain the immunomodulatory and central nervous system activity attributed to tuftsin while improving resistance to enzymatic breakdown. Adding a proline-rich tail to the short parent peptide was a deliberate strategy, because proline residues restrict the conformations available to many peptidases. The same laboratory produced Semax, an ACTH fragment analog, and both compounds were developed in parallel as short, enzymatically stabilized peptides intended for intranasal use.
Selank is not a naturally occurring peptide and has no known endogenous counterpart in human physiology. Russian-language sources frequently call it TP-7, while English-language sources use the name Selank almost exclusively. Database indexing is uneven, partly because early reports appeared in regional journals that are not widely cataloged. Some summaries describe the material as a tuftsin analog and others as a synthetic heptapeptide; the labels overlap rather than conflict. Citing the primary sequence resolves ambiguity more reliably than the research or trade name alone.
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide with the sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, written TKPRPGP in one-letter notation. Its structure consists of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, extended at the carboxyl terminus by a Pro-Gly-Pro segment. The molecular formula is commonly given as C33H57N11O9, corresponding to a monoisotopic mass near 751.4 Da and an average molecular mass near 751.9 Da. All seven residues are proteinogenic amino acids, and the molecule carries no modified side chains or non-natural linkages.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical purity specification | 95 percent or higher by RP-HPLC | Area percentage of the main peak |
| Identity confirmation | Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry | Observed mass compared with the theoretical value near 751.9 Da |
| Recommended dry storage | -20 °C, desiccated | -80 °C for multi-year archival material |
| Solution handling | Prepare fresh; avoid long storage | Sterile filtration reduces microbial load |
| Common synonyms | TKPRPGP; TP-7 | Sequence code and laboratory designation used interchangeably |
Solubility behavior is a practical concern for handling. Selank dissolves readily in water and in common aqueous buffers, which simplifies preparation of working solutions. The choice of solvent, ionic strength, and pH can influence aggregation over time, particularly at higher concentrations. Aqueous solutions are typically sterile-filtered before use. Because stability depends on several variables, storage and handling notes should be treated as general guidance rather than fixed rules, and specific values are best confirmed against a certificate of analysis for each batch.
Characterization of Selank in a laboratory setting relies on standard peptide methods. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography separates the target from related impurities and provides a purity figure, commonly reported as 95 percent or higher. Mass spectrometry, typically electrospray ionization or matrix-assisted laser desorption, confirms the molecular mass and helps detect truncation or modification. Amino acid analysis can verify composition when a sequence-level check is needed. These techniques together establish identity and purity for a given lot.
Most published work on selank originates from a small number of research groups in the Russian Federation. A large share of that record appears in Russian-language journals, which limits access for readers who rely on English-indexed databases. Independent replication by laboratories outside the original research network is sparse in publicly available sources. This concentration of origin and language is a frequently noted feature when the compound is summarized in broader reviews of synthetic peptides.
Reported pharmacological effects center on reduced anxiety-like behavior in animal models and on measures of memory and learning. Proposed contributing mechanisms include modulation of GABAergic signaling, shifts in monoamine turnover, and changes in the activity of enzymes that degrade neuropeptides. Effects on the expression of genes linked to neuroplasticity have also been described. No single molecular target is widely accepted, and whether the behavioral findings arise from one pathway or several remains an open question.
Regulatory treatment varies by jurisdiction. In Russia the compound is a registered prescription product, while in the European Union and the United States it is generally handled as a research chemical without a marketing authorization. Suppliers therefore operate outside pharmaceutical oversight, and buyers rely on supplier documentation for purity and identity claims. Chain of custody and third-party testing are the main verification tools. Analysts note that the absence of a pharmacopoeial monograph for research-grade material limits standardization across vendors.
Purity assessment relies mainly on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Because the peptide lacks a strong chromophore, detection often uses backbone absorbance near 214 nm. Identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry, typically electrospray ionization or matrix-assisted laser desorption, comparing the measured mass against the expected value. Amino acid analysis can verify composition after acid hydrolysis. Diastereomer content and residual counterions are reported less often, although both can influence biological assays.
== Longevity and Healthspan Human Trial == Ho launched DELTA, a N=1 trial where Ho is the test subject. Approved by an institutional review board (IRB), DELTA is a prospective, interventional study that is exploring the use of digital health to optimise metabolic performance, sleep, gut health, and other aspects of healthspan. Early results from this study were published in a peer-reviewed article in PNAS Nexus. . Ho has spoken at international longevity, AI, and healthspan conferences on the DELTA trial and the impact of N=1 Health on population healthspan optimization.
=== Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) === The University of Texas Medical Student Training in Aging Research (UT-MSTAR) is an NIH-funded T35 short-term research training program administered by the Barshop Institute and supported by the National Institute on Aging. Established in 2025, the program is directed by Elena Volpi, MD, PhD, FGSA, and represents a unique statewide collaboration among the four largest medical schools in The University of Texas System: UT Health San Antonio, UTHealth Houston, UT Medical Branch, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program was created to address the growing national need for physician-scientists with expertise in aging research and geriatric medicine by introducing medical students to aging research early in their professional training. UT-MSTAR provides approximately 20 first-year medical students each year with an intensive eight-week summer research experience under the mentorship of accomplished investigators conducting basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, and population-based aging research. Students are paired with faculty mentors whose research encompasses the biology of aging, geroscience, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, frailty, sarcopenia, health disparities, and other age-related conditions.
== Specificity == Algicidal activity can be highly strain-specific and sometimes appears random or unexplained. Current studies have found that particle-associated bacteria tend to have broader algicidal activity, while free-living bacteria are often more species-specific. Algicidal bacteria with low host specificity may occupy a broader ecological niche as they can interact with and utilize organic matter from multiple algal species. However, highly specific bacteria may be more efficient in targeting particular algal hosts. Specificity does not necessarily determine bacterial abundance, but rather reflects different ecological strategies such as generalist versus specialist lifestyles.
On November 25, Karriem was arraigned on charges of first-degree murder; he pleaded guilty, but his bizarre courtroom behavior convinced witnesses of his insanity. Judge John P. Scallen appointed three psychiatrists. Karriem was described as throwing furniture at other prisoners. Papers described Karriem's confinement in a padded cell of the County Jail, writing "The lustful flame of jungle fanaticism which tortured Harris into murdering Smith, seemed to have died away in him, temporarily at least, Saturday [November 26]." On November 28, "Negro leaders" in Detroit publicly voiced opposition to the "cult". By November 29, police had seized ATI literature including a registry of 8,000 members. On November 30, papers reported that Ugan Ali was likely insane, while Fard was reported as "not driven into his sinister teaching through insanity". On December 1, papers announce that the roster of ATI members had been conveyed to the Welfare Departments; Recipients were to be banned from welfare if they retained their membership. On December 6, the three psychiatrists testified that Karriem was legally insane, and he was committed to the Ionia State Hospital for the Criminal Insane. On December 6, Ugan Ali was released after promising to help disband the Allah Temple of Islam, while Fard agreed to forever leave Detroit as a condition of release. In the state hospital, Karriem was diagnosed with dementia praecox. He died there on June 19, 1935, of "mitral insufficiency and decompensation".
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== Discovery and development == Tralokinumab was discovered by Cambridge Antibody Technology scientists using protein optimization based on Ribosome Display. They used the extensive data sets from ribosome display to patent protect CAT-354 in a world-first of sequence-activity-relationship claims. In 2004, clinical development of CAT-354 was initiated with this first study completing in 2005. On 21 July 2011, MedImmune LLC initiated a Phase IIb, randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of tralokinumab in adults with asthma. In 2016, MedImmune and AstraZeneca started developing tralokinumab for asthma (Phase III) and atopic dermatitis (Phase IIb) while clinical development for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been discontinued. In July of that year AstraZeneca licensed tralokinumab to Leo Pharma for skin diseases. A phase IIb study of tralokinumab found that treatment was associated with early and sustained improvements in atopic dermatitis symptoms and tralokinumab had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, thereby providing evidence for targeting IL-13 in patients with atopic dermatitis. In June 2017, Leo Pharma started phase III clinical trials with tralokinumab in atopic dermatitis.
== Comparison with other systems == Modern texts are often dismissive of Chain Home, viewing it as "dead end technology with serious shortcomings". In many respects, CH was a crude system, both in theory and in comparison with other systems of the era. This is especially true when CH is compared with its German counterpart, the Freya. Freya operated on shorter wavelengths, in the 2.5 to 2.3 m (120 to 130 MHz) band, allowing it to be broadcast from a much smaller antenna. This meant that Freya did not have to use the two-part structure of CH with a floodlight transmission, and could instead send its signal in a more tightly focused beam like a searchlight. This greatly reduced the amount of energy needed to be broadcast, as a much smaller volume was being filled with the transmission. Direction finding was accomplished simply by turning the antenna, which was small enough to make this relatively easy to arrange. Additionally, the higher frequency of the signal allowed higher resolution, which aided operational effectiveness. However, Freya had a shorter maximum range of 100 mi (160 km), and could not accurately determine altitude. It should be remembered that CH was deliberately designed specifically to use off-the-shelf components wherever possible. Only the receiver was truly new, the transmitter was adapted from commercial systems and this is the primary reason the system used such a long wavelength.
=== German === Alliance of Transylvania Saxons - Founded as the Siebenburger Bund on July 5, 1902. On August 31 of the same year became the Central Verband der Siebenburger Sachsen. Adopted current name in 1965. Headquarters in Cleveland, lodges called branches; there were 43 in 1978. The national convention meets annually. Membership was open to those "of Transylvanian Saxon birth or descent thereof, or married to a Saxon of descendent thereof, or of German birth or descendent thereof" ages 16–60 who were also healthy enough to pass the insurance requirements and of sound mind and habits and high moral caliber. The Transylvanian Saxon Juniors Association was founded in 1931 to provide insurance for youth. The TSJA also conducts track and field, swim meets golf, softball, and bowling. Saturday German study classes for youth began in 1925. No rituals, but local Branches have their brief initiation ceremonies. Sponsored the Saxon Basketball League in 1927. Charitable activities included helping repatriate Saxon POWs in Siberia to Saxony in 1918; in 1920 it sent $33,000 to Saxon National School in Hermannstadt, a school for orphans, now has its orphan fund. Sent $22,000 in 1970–1971 to Romania for flood relief. 9,871 members in 1967, 8,629 members in 1976 8,892 members in 1989. Membership had stabilized at around 10,000 for decades. Ancient Order of Freesmiths - Claimed to be descended from the Vehmgericht of medieval Germany. The first known lodge in the United States was founded in Baltimore in 1865.
Perforated septum – The reconstruction of a saddle nose caused by a (collapsed) perforated septum, or by autoimmune problems such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), sarcoidosis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), relapsing polychondritis, by intranasal drug use, and by excessive nasal aerosol use. The saddle nose deformity resulting from lost dorsum support is reconstructed using autologous bone grafts and rib cartilage grafts. Rhinophyma – The correction of late-stage Rosacea, wherein the nasal skin is infected with acne rosacea that reddens, thickens, and enlarges the nose tip; an exemplar case is the American actor W.C. Fields. Although antibiotic acne treatments (e.g. Acutane) can halt the progression of Rosacea, the thickened skin and the fleshy obscuring of the nasal tip can only be corrected with rhinoplasty. Laser excision of abnormally thickened skin is the best rhinoplastic treatment for Rhinophyma; the CO2 laser and the infrared Erbium: YAG laser are the most effective treatments.
Vaccination against mumps did not become routine until Mumpsvax was included in Merck's combined MMR vaccine, which targeted measles and rubella along with mumps. MMR was licensed in 1971, and 40 percent of American children had received the combined vaccine by 1974. In 1977, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended mumps immunization (as part of MMR) for all children over 12 months of age, and in 1998, CDC began recommending a two-dose immunization of MMR.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Sealed, desiccated storage at -20 °C or colder is the standard recommendation for research-grade material. Vials should reach room temperature before they are opened, which limits condensation. Repeated temperature cycling is discouraged.
A reported purity value reflects the share of the main peak in one chromatographic run and says nothing about identity. Confirming that the expected sequence is present requires a separate measurement such as mass spectrometry. Purity and identity are distinct questions.
A mass spectrum reports the molecular masses present in a sample and shows whether they match the value expected for selank, near 751.9 Da. It also flags common artifacts such as truncation or adduct formation. It does not establish correct stereochemistry or complete sequence order on its own.
The sequence is Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, written TKPRPGP in one-letter code. It combines the tetrapeptide tuftsin with a carboxyl-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension. This full sequence identifies the molecule more precisely than the research name.