# Spadin

> Evidence tier C — Animal data · Mind · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/spadin/

Also known as: Sortilin propeptide fragment PE 12–28

## Quick answers

**What is Spadin?**

A peptide derived from the sortilin propeptide that blocks TREK-1 potassium channels.

**How strong is the evidence for Spadin?**

Tier C (animal data) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. Evidence is limited to rodent studies (Mazella et al., PLoS Biol 2010, and follow-ups); no published human studies.

**Is Spadin FDA-approved?**

No. Spadin is not approved by the FDA for any use.

**Is Spadin banned in sport?**

Yes. Spadin is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under S0 (non-approved substances).

**How does Spadin work?**

Spadin corresponds to residues 12-28 of the sortilin propeptide (17 amino acids), synthesized with an added N-terminal tyrosine (18 residues: YAPLPRWSGPIGVSWGLR). It binds and blocks TREK-1 two-pore-domain potassium channels; in mice this increased dorsal raphe serotonin neuron firing, hippocampal CREB phosphorylation, and neurogenesis after 4 days of treatment.

**What is known about the safety of Spadin?**

No human safety data. Only preclinical rodent studies published.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** C (Animal data)
- **FDA:** not approved
- **WADA:** prohibited (S0)
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Sequence:** YAPLPRWSGPIGVSWGLR (18 residues)
- **Formula:** C96H142N26O22
- **Molecular weight:** 2012.3 g/mol
- **Discovered:** 2010 — Described as a sortilin-derived TREK-1 blocker (Mazella et al., PLoS Biol 2010).
- **Routes studied:** Subcutaneous

## Overview

A peptide derived from the sortilin propeptide that blocks TREK-1 potassium channels. It produced rapid antidepressant-like effects in mouse studies.

## Mechanism

Spadin corresponds to residues 12-28 of the sortilin propeptide (17 amino acids), synthesized with an added N-terminal tyrosine (18 residues: YAPLPRWSGPIGVSWGLR). It binds and blocks TREK-1 two-pore-domain potassium channels; in mice this increased dorsal raphe serotonin neuron firing, hippocampal CREB phosphorylation, and neurogenesis after 4 days of treatment.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Rapid antidepressant-like effects
- Enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis
- Improved stress resilience
- Modulated TREK-1 potassium channel activity

## Safety & unknowns

No human safety data. Only preclinical rodent studies published. Novel mechanism targeting potassium channels carries unknown risks. Not FDA-approved. Very early research stage.

## Studies

- Mazella J, Pétrault O, Lucas G, et al. (2010). *Spadin, a sortilin-derived peptide, targeting rodent TREK-1 channels: a new concept in the antidepressant drug design*. PLoS Biology. Preclinical. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20405001/
  Discovery paper showing spadin binds and blocks TREK-1 channels, increases serotonin neuron firing, and after 4 days of intravenous treatment produced antidepressant-like behavior, CREB phosphorylation, and neurogenesis in mice.

## Status sources

- [PubChem CID 91826106 — Spadin](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/91826106)
- [Mazella et al., PLoS Biol 2010 (discovery, sequence)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20405001/)
- [WADA Prohibited List 2026 (S0)](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/prohibited-list)

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Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.