PX1 Research supplies USA-manufactured PE-22-28 as a lyophilized reference compound engineered for rigorous in vitro and preclinical laboratory applications. As a truncated, stabilized peptide derivative of spadin, PE-22-28 serves as a selective antagonist for TREK-1 potassium channels, providing researchers with a precision tool for mapping two-pore domain ion channel signaling.
PX1 Research supplies USA-manufactured PE-22-28 as a lyophilized reference compound engineered for rigorous in vitro and preclinical laboratory applications. As a truncated, stabilized peptide derivative of spadin, PE-22-28 serves as a selective antagonist for TREK-1 potassium channels, providing researchers with a precision tool for mapping two-pore domain ion channel signaling.
To buy PE-22-28 for laboratory research, investigators require reference-grade material backed by rigorous analytical validation. PX1 Research supplies USA-manufactured PE-22-28 at greater than 98% purity, confirmed through reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Every lot includes a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis verifying purity, sequence identity, and low endotoxin levels.
When procuring synthetic peptides for cellular or animal model assays, cross-contamination, sequence truncation, and residual counterion interference can compromise experimental reproducibility. PX1 Research addresses these critical factors by manufacturing PE-22-28 under strict quality control standards, ensuring that investigators receive reliable, highly consistent reference reagents for neurobiological and ion-channel research.
PE-22-28 is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from spadin, a naturally occurring peptide generated by the cleavage of the propeptide of sortilin. Native spadin consists of 17 amino acids (PE-12-28) that bind to the TREK-1 channel, a member of the two-pore domain potassium channel ($K_{2P}$) family encoded by the KCNK2 gene. Through systematic truncation and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, researchers identified the 7-amino-acid core sequence—designated PE-22-28—that retains full antagonist potency while exhibiting improved enzymatic stability.
The chemical structure of PE-22-28 allows it to interact with specific extracellular loops of the TREK-1 protein, effectively blocking potassium efflux. This specific interaction makes PE-22-28 an invaluable tool in neuropharmacology, enabling researchers to isolate the physiological functions of $K_{2P}$ channels without the non-specific receptor crosstalk associated with broader potassium channel blockers. You can explore other targeted molecules in our research peptides catalog.
TREK-1 ($K_{2P}2.1$) channels play a fundamental role in maintaining resting membrane potential and modulating neuronal excitability throughout the central nervous system. Under baseline conditions, TREK-1 channels allow potassium ions to flow out of the neuron, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and reducing overall excitability. Preclinical studies suggest that pharmacologic inhibition of TREK-1 via antagonists like PE-22-28 alters this ionic flux, leading to localized membrane depolarization and downstream signaling cascades.
In vitro data indicate that PE-22-28 binds to TREK-1 with nanomolar affinity, exhibiting high selectivity over related $K_{2P}$ channel family members such as TREK-2 and TRAAK. By selectively inhibiting TREK-1, PE-22-28 triggers intracellular signaling cascades associated with synaptogenesis and neurotrophic factor expression, particularly Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Researchers interested in the broader family of neuroactive compounds can review detailed mechanisms in our dedicated research library.
In vivo rodent models evaluating PE-22-28 have primarily focused on neurobehavioral and synaptic plasticity paradigms. Standard preclinical behavioral assays—such as the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST)—demonstrate that acute administration of PE-22-28 induces significant reductions in immobility time, a classic benchmark measured in animal model mood and stress research.
Unlike conventional monoaminergic modulators, which typically require chronic administration over several weeks to induce neuroplastic changes in rodents, preclinical data show that PE-22-28 activates phosphorylation of CREB and increases BDNF protein expression in the hippocampus within hours of exposure. Furthermore, electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal brain slices demonstrate that PE-22-28 enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA1 synapses, providing a robust cellular model for studying rapid neuroplastic adaptions.
When designing neurobiological experiments, researchers frequently compare PE-22-28 against its parent peptide spadin and other classes of neuroactive research compounds. While full-length spadin demonstrates potent TREK-1 antagonism, its larger molecular weight and susceptibility to rapid peptidase degradation present experimental challenges in prolonged organotypic or cell culture assays. In contrast, PE-22-28 offers enhanced metabolic stability in physiological buffers while preserving equal or superior binding affinity.
In comparative preclinical models, investigators also evaluate PE-22-28 alongside distinct neuropeptides such as Semax, Selank, and Dihexa. While Semax and Selank primarily modulate melanocortin receptors, BDNF expression, and GABAergic neurotransmission, and Dihexa targets the HGF/c-Met system to promote dendritic arborization, PE-22-28 operates through a completely distinct mechanism by directly modulating membrane potential via $K_{2P}$ ion channel blockade. To learn more about channel-specific modulators, see our guide on spadin derivatives and TREK-1 antagonists.
Because small peptides are susceptible to synthesis errors, missing residues, and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) retention, third-party analytical verification is essential for valid research outcomes. PX1 ResearchSubjects every lot of PE-22-28 to rigorous testing in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to verify identity, purity, and safety profiles.
Primary analytical standards for PX1 Research PE-22-28 include:
• Purity Determination: Verified at ≥98.0% using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV detection at 214 nm and 220 nm. • Molecular Weight Verification: Confirmed via Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) or MALDI-TOF to ensure exact target mass match with no sequence truncation. • Endotoxin Quantification: Assayed using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) method, maintaining limits strictly below <0.5 EU/mg to prevent confounding immune or inflammatory responses in primary cell cultures. • Residual Solvents & Moisture: Counterion content and volatile organic impurities are minimized through secondary lyophilization steps.
PE-22-28 is supplied as a sterile, lyophilized white powder that requires proper reconstitution before introduction into experimental assays. To maintain molecular integrity and prevent aggregation, researchers should follow standardized laboratory protocols when preparing peptide solutions.
For reconstituted working solutions, sterile bacteriostatic water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) is typically recommended. If preparing high-concentration stock solutions for cell culture models, the lyophilized cake should first be dissolved in a small volume of sterile water or low-molarity buffer before dilution into final assay media. Gentle swirling or inversion should be used; vigorous vortexing or sonication must be avoided to prevent mechanical shearing of the peptide structure.
In its lyophilized state, PE-22-28 maintains high stability when stored at -20°C or -80°C in a desiccated environment, shielded from light. Short-term exposure to ambient temperatures during transport does not impact peptide purity, provided the product remains sealed in its vacuum-vial container.
Once reconstituted, aqueous solutions of PE-22-28 should be divided into single-use experimental aliquots and stored at -20°C or colder to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Repeated thawing and freezing causes thermal and mechanical stress on the peptide backbone, leading to precipitation or partial degradation over time. Reconstituted aliquots stored at 2°C to 8°C should generally be utilized within 24 to 48 hours to ensure optimal biological activity in vitro.
Peptide degradation during international transport and regulatory customs delays represent major operational risks for institutional research projects. PX1 Research mitigates these risks by maintaining a 100% USA-based manufacturing and fulfillment infrastructure.
All PE-22-28 inventory is synthesized, purified, packaged, and stored in cGMP-compliant facilities located in California and Arizona. Orders placed Monday through Friday before our daily cut-off time ship the same day, ensuring rapid delivery and minimizing transit times. Institutional buyers interested in establishing recurring shipments or custom synthesis orders can explore options through our wholesale program.
What is PE-22-28 used for in laboratory research?
PE-22-28 is a research chemical used in vitro and in animal models to study TREK-1 two-pore domain potassium ($K_{2P}$) channel signaling, neuronal membrane excitability, BDNF expression pathways, and synaptic plasticity.
How does PE-22-28 differ from native spadin?
PE-22-28 is a shortened 7-amino-acid synthetic derivative of full-length spadin (17 amino acids). It preserves high binding affinity for TREK-1 channels while offering increased enzymatic stability and lower degradation rates in biological buffers.
What purity levels are guaranteed for PX1 Research PE-22-28?
PX1 Research provides PE-22-28 at greater than 98% purity, as verified by lot-specific Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) analysis.
What are the endotoxin limits for PE-22-28 supplied by PX1 Research?
Every lot of PE-22-28 undergoes LAL assay testing to confirm endotoxin levels are strictly below 0.5 EU/mg, preventing cell culture contamination and inflammatory artifacts in research models.
How should lyophilized PE-22-28 be stored upon arrival?
Lyophilized PE-22-28 should be stored at -20°C or -80°C in a dry, dark place. Under these conditions, the peptide remains stable for long-term storage without significant degradation.
What solvents are recommended for reconstituting PE-22-28?
PE-22-28 reconstitutes readily in sterile bacteriostatic water, sterile normal saline, or standard phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). Avoid high-heat or high-shear mixing methods during dissolution.
Does PX1 Research provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with PE-22-28?
Yes. Every order of PE-22-28 includes access to a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis detailing HPLC purity chromatograms, mass spectrometry molecular weight confirmation, and endotoxin test results.
Can institutional research facilities order PE-22-28 in bulk?
Yes, PX1 Research offers flexible institutional pricing and custom bulk packaging for universities, contract research organizations (CROs), and commercial laboratories through our wholesale account portal.
All products are sold strictly for laboratory and research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, treatment or consumption. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.