PE 22-28

Also known as: shortened spadin analog, TREK-1 blocker, sortilin/propeptide-derived peptide

Wellness

In plain English

PE 22-28 is an experimental peptide based on spadin, a natural fragment that blocks a brain potassium channel called TREK-1. Blocking TREK-1 is being studied as a fast-acting antidepressant strategy. In mice, PE 22-28 and related short spadin analogs act like rapid antidepressants and may protect brain cells. There are no human trials, and it is not FDA-approved; all current evidence is from animal research.

The science

Spadin is a natural peptide (derived from the sortilin propeptide) that inhibits the TREK-1 (TWIK-related K+) channel, a target linked to depression. PE 22-28 is one of a series of shortened spadin analogs designed for better TREK-1 inhibition and improved in vivo stability; in rodent models these analogs produced antidepressant-like effects within days and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis/synaptogenesis (Djillani et al., 2017). Evidence is entirely preclinical; there are no human clinical trials, and it is not FDA-approved. It is commonly compounded with Pinealon and N-Acetyl Selank.

References

• Djillani A et al., Front Pharmacol 2017 (shortened spadin analogs, TREK-1, antidepressant)