What is a Peptide?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Typically, peptides contain less than 50 amino acids. Longer chains are referred to as proteins.
There are several key things to know about peptides:
- Function: Peptides serve many important functions, including as signaling molecules, antibiotics, toxins, and growth factors. Some peptides regulate bodily functions and behavior.
- Structure: The peptide bond links the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another. This gives peptides their specific 3D structure, which determines their function. The sequence and number of amino acids influence the structure.
- Synthesis: Peptides can be synthesized chemically, using solid-phase peptide synthesis methods. They can also be created through translation of mRNA molecules inside cells.
- Applications: Due to their stability, selectivity, and potency, peptides have numerous research, medical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Some key uses include research on biochemical pathways, drug development for treating diseases, skin care products for anti-aging and skin protection, and food/health supplements for enhancing nutrition.
Some well-known peptide examples include:
- Oxytocin - Plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and during & after childbirth
- Glutathione - Antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage
- Leuprolide - Used to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids
In summary, peptides are short chains of amino acids that play critical biological roles related to cell signaling, health, growth, and defense. Their versatility makes them useful for a wide array of applications. When strung together into longer chains, peptides form full-length proteins.
For more information on peptide therapy, please visit Vista Clinic.