Description
PE-22-28 is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the spadin molecule (a sortilin-derived peptide). Structurally it is a C-terminal fragment of spadin and functions in research models as a selective inhibitor of the TREK-1 potassium channel. TREK-1 is a two-pore domain potassium channel characterized in research literature as a central element in the pathophysiology of depressive states.
The research mechanism lies in the TREK-1 pathway. In preclinical studies, TREK-1 knockout mice were shown to exhibit depression-resistant phenotypes, making the channel an interesting target. PE-22-28 selectively inhibits TREK-1 and produces behavioral endpoints in animal models similar to the genetic knockout. The effects are linked in research literature to enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission, increased BDNF expression and neuronal plasticity.
The compound data is relatively recent (published from 2014 onwards) and focuses primarily on preclinical animal models. A particularity: in some studies, PE-22-28 has been associated with faster onset of effects than classical serotonergic compounds, making the TREK-1 pathway a mechanistically distinct research target.
In research setups, PE-22-28 is typically used intranasally in preclinical models, similar to selank and semax.
PE-22-28 is available in 5mg vials as 10-vial packs.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
PE-22-28 is described as well tolerated per study reports. The data, however, is recent and limited almost entirely to preclinical animal models.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Intranasal irritation: since PE-22-28 is typically used intranasally in research setups, mild burning or irritation of the nasal mucosa is the most common observation.
- Neuronal modulation: the compound selectively inhibits the TREK-1 potassium channel and thereby intervenes in serotonergic and mood-related pathways, so effects on drive and mood are to be expected.
- Thin data base: PE-22-28 has only been published since 2014. The safety profile rests almost exclusively on animal models.
- No human data: robust human studies and long-term data do not exist.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Spadin, a sortilin-derived peptide, targeting rodent TREK-1 channels: a new concept in the antidepressant drug design - PLoS Biology 2010: Original paper on spadin: the sortilin-derived peptide binds TREK-1 with an affinity of 10 nM, blocks the channel and produced a depression-resistant phenotype in mice in five behavioral tests.
- TREK-1 channel inhibition and depression research - Nature Neuroscience 2006: Mechanism of the TREK-1 pathway.
- Shortened Spadin Analogs Display Better TREK-1 Inhibition, In Vivo Stability and Antidepressant Activity - Frontiers in Pharmacology 2017: Describes PE 22-28 as a shortened 7-amino-acid spadin analog: in cells it inhibited TREK-1 with an IC50 of 0.12 nM versus 40 to 60 nM for spadin. In mice it reduced immobility time in the forced swim test and promoted neurogenesis after 4 days.
- Spadin as a new antidepressant: absence of TREK-1-related side effects - Neuropharmacology 2012: Safety study of spadin in rodents: no effects on the other TREK-1-controlled functions such as pain, epilepsy and ischemia, no inhibition of related potassium channels and no change in blood pressure or heart rate.
