Spadin

Also known as: PE-22-28, PE22-28

Spadin is a 17-amino acid peptide derived from the propeptide of sortilin (a neuronal sorting receptor) that acts as a selective antagonist of the TREK-1 potassium channel. TREK-1 is a two-pore domain potassium channel involved in mood regulation — TREK-1 knockout mice display a depression-resistant phenotype. Spadin blocks TREK-1, producing rapid antidepressant effects in animal models within 4 days (versus 2-4 weeks for SSRIs). It represents a novel, non-monoaminergic approach to depression treatment.