Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides contain less than 50 amino acids while longer chains are considered proteins.
Peptides serve many important biological functions. They act as chemical messengers to regulate bodily functions, influence cell-to-cell communication, and stimulate the release of hormones. Some peptides have potent biological effects and are being studied for their role in addressing health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, immune disorders, and heart disease.
There are many types of peptides, including:
- Bioactive peptides - Found naturally in the body and some foods, these regulate blood pressure, appetite and immune function. Often released during the digestion of protein foods.
- Growth hormone peptides - Stimulate tissue growth and cellular reproduction and regeneration. Help strengthen joints and enhance the immune system.
- Signal peptides - Direct newly formed proteins to their appropriate locations within or outside the cell.
- Opioid peptides - Act on certain cell receptors similarly to opiates like morphine. Many opioid peptides produced naturally can influence pain, stress responses and behaviors related to pleasure or satisfaction.
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Now back to answering more about what peptides are and how they work!
Peptides have many therapeutic uses and are easier to produce than large proteins. Some peptide drugs include: insulin for diabetes, growth hormones, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone used to treat reproductive disorders. New peptide drugs are constantly in development for disease treatment.
Researchers can also modify peptides for targeted drug delivery. For example, attaching a homing peptide to a drug allows it to selectively accumulate at tumor sites. This specificity helps destroy cancer cells while causing fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Fun fact - Spiders and scorpions produce peptide toxins as chemical defense and predation mechanisms! Their venom contains peptides that can impair neurological communication and cause paralysis. Specific peptide toxins are being harnessed and modified to potentially treat autoimmune diseases and chronic pain.
In summary:
- Peptides are short chains of amino acids with less than 50 units
- They serve many functions including cell signaling, stimulating hormone release, growth and healing
- Therapeutic uses include treating diabetes, disorders, immunity issues and sometimes modified for targeted cancer therapy
- Peptides are more easily produced than large proteins
- Venomous creatures like spiders use peptides for predation and defense
Hope this gives you a better understanding of what peptides are and the many critical biological roles they serve! Let me know if you have any other peptide questions.