PE-22-28 10mg

Once-daily subcutaneous protocol for TREK-1 antagonist neuroplasticity research.

PE-22-28 10mg

PE-22-28 is a synthetic heptapeptide (sequence: GVSWGLR) derived from the sortilin propeptide, engineered as a potent and selective antagonist of TREK-1 potassium channels. Preclinical studies demonstrate rapid antidepressant

Vial Size
Dose Range
Schedule
Primary Goal
10mg vial 50 to 200 mcg daily with conservative titration; many find 100 to 150 mcg adequate. Daily subcutaneous injections for 12 to 16 weeks (8 weeks minimum). Support rapid neuroplasticity, mood regulation, and neuroprotection through selective TREK-1 inhibition.

Reconstitution Summary

1 mL per 10 mg vial (10 mg/mL).

Storage Summary

Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; replace vials every 4 weeks.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Draw 1 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
  2. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
  3. Gently swirl until dissolved (do not shake).
  4. Label and refrigerate at 2 to 8 °C, protected from light. At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL » 100 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.

How It Works

PE-22-28 functions as a potent and selective antagonist of TREK-1 (KCNK2) two-pore domain potassium channels. By blocking TREK-1, it depolarizes neurons and enhances excitability, leading to increased firing of serotonergic neurons and elevated monoamine neurotransmission. This mechanism produces rapid antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models: within 4 days, PE-22-28 significantly increases hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis markers, changes typically requiring weeks with conventional antidepressants. The peptide also activates CaMKII/CREB pathways that promote neuronal survival and plasticity. PE-22-28 represents a shortened, optimized analog of spadin with superior potency (IC50 ~0.12 nM versus 40 to 60 nM for spadin) and longer duration of action (~23 hours versus ~7 hours). Research also demonstrates neuroprotective effects in stroke models through biphasic dosing.

Benefits & Side Effects

  • Rapid antidepressant effects: produces behavioral improvements within 4 days in rodent models;
    reduces immobility in forced swim tests and decreases latency to feed in novel environments.
  • Enhanced neuroplasticity: increases hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptogenesis markers (PSD-95),
    dendritic spine density, and BDNF expression within days.
  • Neuroprotection: in stroke models, preserves dopaminergic neurons, reduces motor deficits, and
    prevents post-stroke depressive behavior.
  • Favorable safety profile: high selectivity with no effects on hERG channels (cardiac safety), no impact
    on heart rate, blood pressure, glucose regulation, or pain perception in preclinical studies. No
  • TREK-1-related side effects or withdrawal observed.
  • No human data: all evidence is from cell culture and animal studies; human safety and
    pharmacokinetics remain unestablished.
  • Subcutaneous administration may occasionally cause minor injection-site reactions (slight redness or
    tenderness).

References & Scientific Literature

  1. Mazella et al. Spadin, a sortilin-derived peptide targeting TREK-1 channels; novel antidepressant mechanism (PLoS Biology, 2010).
  2. Moha Ou Maati et al. Spadin as antidepressant; absence of TREK-1-related side effects (Neuropharmacology, 2012).
  3. Djillani et al. Shortened spadin analogs (PE-22-28): superior TREK-1 inhibition and antidepressant activity (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017).
  4. Pietri et al. Protective effects on stroke recovery and post-stroke depression (Neuropharmacology, 2019).