The interest in PE 22-28 and TREK-1 channel blockade

Posted by tired_squats in Research & News - 0 points, 0 comments.

I have been reading a bit more about the research into PE 22-28 lately. It is a synthetic peptide that comes from spadin and is being looked at for its ability to block the TREK-1 potassium channel. From what I can gather in the preclinical studies, it seems to promote neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, which is basically the brain making new connections.

The most interesting bit for me is the speed. Most SSRIs take weeks or even months to actually do anything for mood, but the animal models for this peptide suggest much faster antidepressant-like effects. I reckon that is where the real hype is, but I am also quite sceptical because it is still very much in the preclinical stage. We do not know the human safety profile at all, and since it works by blocking a potassium channel, I wonder about the long-term implications for brain stability. It sounds brilliant for neuroplasticity research, but I would be very cautious about anyone jumping on this before we see proper human trials.

Has anyone else been following the TREK-1 research, or do you think the focus on fast-acting neuroplasticity agents is getting a bit overblown?

Community discussion - research and educational context only. Not medical advice.