Peptide therapeutics are gaining significant attention globally in both research and clinical practice. This is mainly due to their high specificity, better safety profile, and targeted action, which make them promising for treating diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
About Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are naturally present in the human body. The amino acids in a peptide are linked together by peptide bonds, forming a specific sequence.
They play an essential role in various biological processes and act as basic functional molecules in the body.
Peptides vs Proteins
Peptides and proteins are both made up of amino acids, but they differ in size and complexity.
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Peptides consist of 2 to 50 amino acids.
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Proteins are larger molecules made up of one or more long chains of amino acids, also called polypeptides.
Proteins have complex structures, including secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels of folding, whereas peptides generally have simpler and less defined structures.
Additionally, proteins can be broken down into smaller peptide fragments by enzymes.
Functions of Peptides
Peptides perform a wide range of important functions in the body:
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Some peptides act as hormones, regulating communication between cells.
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They may have anti-inflammatory, muscle-building, and metabolic regulatory roles.
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Certain peptides are also associated with ageing and immune responses.
Due to these benefits, peptides are widely used in therapeutics and dietary supplements, either derived from natural sources or synthesised artificially.
What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of life, forming both peptides and proteins.
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There are 20 different amino acids used by the human body.
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Some amino acids can be synthesised by the body, while others must be obtained from the diet.
These essential amino acids include:
Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.
A protein consists of one or more chains of amino acids, and the sequence of these amino acids is determined by genetic information.
Conclusion
Peptides are crucial biomolecules with diverse roles in human physiology and medicine. Their increasing use in therapeutics highlights their potential for targeted and efficient treatment, making them an important focus area in modern biomedical research.