What Is Semax?
Research Use Only: Semax is intended strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption, medical treatment, or veterinary use. Read our full disclaimer.
What Is Semax?
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from the N-terminal fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-7). In laboratory research, Semax is studied for its effects on BDNF upregulation, dopaminergic and serotonergic modulation, neuroprotective signalling and cognitive pathway research in experimental models.
Mechanism of Action
Semax exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms in laboratory models. It upregulates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and its receptor TrkB, modulates dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, and influences melanocortin receptor signalling via its ACTH-derived sequence. These properties make Semax a multi-target neuropeptide tool for studying neurotrophic and neuromodulatory pathways in vitro.
BDNF Upregulation
A key research application of Semax is its ability to upregulate BDNF expression in laboratory models. BDNF is a critical neurotrophic factor involved in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis-related signalling. Researchers use Semax to investigate BDNF-TrkB pathway activation and downstream MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signalling in cellular models.
Melanocortin Receptor Interactions
Semax retains the ACTH 4-7 core sequence (Met-Glu-His-Phe), which interacts with melanocortin receptors. Laboratory researchers use Semax to study MC receptor-mediated neuroprotective signalling and the relationship between melanocortin pathways and cognitive function in experimental models.
Research Applications
Neuroprotective Signalling Research
Semax is used in laboratory models to investigate neuroprotective mechanisms including oxidative stress resistance, anti-apoptotic signalling and neuroinflammation modulation. Its BDNF-upregulating properties make it relevant to research into neuronal survival pathways in vitro.
Dopaminergic & Serotonergic Modulation
Laboratory investigations employ Semax to study dopamine and serotonin transporter expression, receptor sensitivity and neurotransmitter metabolism in cellular models. It is used to characterise monoaminergic pathway regulation in the context of neuropeptide signalling.
Cognitive Pathway Research
Semax is studied in laboratory models for its effects on memory consolidation, attention-related signalling and learning pathway mechanisms. Researchers use it to investigate the molecular basis of cognitive processes including long-term potentiation (LTP)-related signalling in vitro.
Stroke & Ischaemia Models
In laboratory settings, Semax is used in ischaemia-reperfusion models to study neuroprotective gene expression, inflammatory cytokine modulation and neuronal recovery signalling following hypoxic insult.
Structural Characteristics
Semax has the sequence Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MW approximately 813 Da). The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension, shared with Selank, confers resistance to prolyl endopeptidase degradation, extending peptide stability in experimental systems. It is water-soluble and compatible with standard aqueous laboratory buffers.
Selank vs Semax
Selank and Semax are frequently studied together due to their complementary mechanisms. Selank is primarily studied for GABAergic and anxiolytic-related signalling, while Semax is studied for dopaminergic, BDNF-mediated and neuroprotective pathways. Both are ACTH/tuftsin-derived heptapeptides with Pro-Gly-Pro stabilisation. They are available as a combined research material from Solatide Biosciences. Read the Selank overview
Storage & Handling
Store lyophilised Semax at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstitute with sterile water or appropriate buffer prior to use. Use the Concentration Calculator to determine the correct volume for your target concentration. Follow institutional laboratory protocols for handling and disposal.
Quality & Documentation
Solatide Biosciences Semax is independently third-party tested to >=99% purity, verified by HPLC and mass spectrometry. A Certificate of Analysis is available on the product page.
Related Compounds
Research Use Only: All compounds are manufactured for in-vitro laboratory research and are not intended for human consumption, medical use, or veterinary applications. Full disclaimer.