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PE-22-28

A synthetic peptide derived from sortilin that acts as a TREK-1 channel blocker, studied as a rapid-acting antidepressant alternative.

PreliminaryLimited Data

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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician

What is PE-22-28?

PE-22-28 is a synthetic peptide analog of spadin, which is derived from the propeptide of sortilin. It acts by blocking TREK-1 potassium channels in the brain, a mechanism associated with rapid antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to work, TREK-1 blockade has shown rapid mood improvement in preclinical models. Clinical biomarker studies have confirmed that sortilin-derived propeptide levels are altered in depression and change with treatment.

Why People Talk About It

Rapid antidepressant effects

Emerging

Enhanced neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis

Emerging

BDNF upregulation

Preliminary

Stroke recovery and post-stroke depression

Preliminary

How It Works

PE-22-28 blocks a specific potassium channel in the brain (TREK-1) that is linked to depression. By blocking this channel, it may rapidly improve mood and promote brain cell growth and connectivity.

Common Questions

Safety Information

Important Safety Notes

Common Side Effects

Unknown in humansTheoretical neurological effects

Cautions

  • Extremely limited human data
  • Not FDA-approved
  • Novel mechanism with unknown long-term effects
  • Do not combine with psychiatric medications without guidance

What We Don't Know

Human safety, pharmacokinetics, and optimal dosing are essentially unknown. All data is preclinical.

Published Research

16 studies

TREK1 channel blockade induces an antidepressant-like response synergizing with 5-HT1A receptor signaling

PreclinicalPMID: 26441141

Shortened Spadin Analogs Display Better TREK-1 Inhibition, In Vivo Stability and Antidepressant Activity

PreclinicalPMID: 28955242

Spadin, a sortilin-derived peptide, targeting rodent TREK-1 channels: a new concept in the antidepressant drug design.

PreclinicalPMID: 20405001

Spadin as a new antidepressant: absence of TREK-1-related side effects.

PreclinicalPMID: 21807005

Retroinverso analogs of spadin display increased antidepressant effects.

PreclinicalPMID: 25080852

The peptidic antidepressant spadin interacts with prefrontal 5-HT(4) and mGluR(2) receptors in the control of serotonergic function.

PreclinicalPMID: 25233810

Targeting two-pore domain K(+) channels TREK-1 and TASK-3 for the treatment of depression: a new therapeutic concept.

ReviewPMID: 25263033

In vitro and in vivo regulation of synaptogenesis by the novel antidepressant spadin.

PreclinicalPMID: 25598009

Serum sortilin-derived propeptides concentrations are decreased in major depressive disorder patients.

Clinical TrialPMID: 27838145

Increased serum levels of sortilin-derived propeptide after electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depressed patients.

Clinical TrialPMID: 30233189

Fighting against depression with TREK-1 blockers: Past and future. A focus on spadin.

ReviewPMID: 30291907

The Involvement of Sortilin/NTSR3 in Depression as the Progenitor of Spadin and Its Role in the Membrane Expression of TREK-1.

ReviewPMID: 30670975

First evidence of protective effects on stroke recovery and post-stroke depression induced by sortilin-derived peptides.

PreclinicalPMID: 31325429

Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of two-pore domain potassium channel TREK-1 alters depression-related behaviors and neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus in mice.

PreclinicalPMID: 32864894

Blocking Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channel TREK-1 Inhibits the Activation of A1-Like Reactive Astrocyte Through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Major Depressive Disorder.

PreclinicalPMID: 36670238

Serum sortilin-derived propeptide concentrations as markers of depression in chronic stroke.

Clinical TrialPMID: 40107034

Always consult a qualified clinician

This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician

Research Insights

Related Peptides

Quick Facts

Class
Neuroactive Peptide
Evidence
Preliminary
Safety
Limited Data
Updated
Mar 2026
Citations
16PubMed

Also known as

Spadin Analog

Tags

MoodAntidepressantNeuroplasticityMental Health

Related Goals

Evidence Score

Overall Confidence35%

Clinical Trials

View Clinical Trials

Links to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.

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