alphapeptides

Alphapeptides are peptides composed of alpha amino acids, the standard building blocks of proteins. In biochemistry, most naturally occurring peptides and proteins are made from L-α-amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The term emphasizes the use of the alpha carbon in each amino acid, and distinguishes these molecules from peptides built from beta- or other noncanonical amino acids. α-peptides range from short dipeptides to long polypeptides and proteins, with properties determined by sequence and length.

Synthesis and structure: In cells, peptides are produced by ribosomes. In the lab, α-peptides are commonly made by solid-phase peptide synthesis using Fmoc or BOC protection, sequential coupling, and resin cleavage. Purification by high-performance liquid chromatography and verification by mass spectrometry are standard. The structure of α-peptides can form helices, sheets, and turns, influencing their function and interactions.

Functions and applications: α-peptides act as hormones, neurotransmitters, enzyme inhibitors, and signaling molecules. They are used as research tools, therapeutics, and materials in biomimetics. Sequence, length, and chemical modifications affect stability, solubility, and target affinity.

Alphapeptides (company): Alphapeptides is a commercial supplier of synthetic peptides for biomedical research. It offers catalog peptides and custom synthesis, along with analytical data such as HPLC and mass spectrometry to document purity and identity. Services are used in assay development, protein interaction studies, and drug discovery.

See also: Peptide, Protein, Solid-phase peptide synthesis.

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