Dipeptidyls

Dipeptidyls are small molecules composed of two amino acids linked by a peptide bond. They represent the simplest form of a peptide, which is a chain of amino acids. Dipeptidyls can be formed through the enzymatic or chemical cleavage of larger proteins or peptides, or they can be synthesized directly. Their structure is defined by the specific sequence of the two amino acids and the stereochemistry at their chiral centers.

The biological significance of dipeptidyls varies greatly. Some dipeptidyls are biologically inert, while others can exhibit specific physiological activities. For example, certain dipeptidyls can act as signaling molecules, neurotransmitters, or enzyme inhibitors. The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme is a notable example of an enzyme that specifically cleaves dipeptidyls from larger peptides, playing a crucial role in glucose metabolism. Inhibitors of DPP-4 are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes. The study of dipeptidyls is important in various fields, including biochemistry, pharmacology, and drug discovery, due to their diverse roles in biological systems and their potential as therapeutic agents.