In recent years, research has shown the importance of peptides in neuroscience, immunology, and cell biology. Active research programs worldwide are now engaged in developing peptide-based drugs and vaccines using modification of natural peptides and proteins, design of artificial peptides and peptide mimetics, and screening of peptide and phage libraries. In this comprehensive book, the authors discuss peptide synthesis and application within the context of their increasing importance to the pharmaceutical industry. Peptides: Synthesis, Structures, and Applications explores the broad growth of information in modern peptide synthetic methods and the structure-activity relationships of synthetic polypeptides. - The history of peptide chemistry - Amide formation, deprotection, and disulfide formation in peptide synthesis - Solid-phase peptide synthesis - a-helix formation by peptides in water - Stability and dynamics of peptide conformation - An overview of structure-function studies of peptide hormones - Neuropeptides:peptide and nonpeptide analogs - Reversible inhibitors of serine proteinases - Design of polypeptides - Current capabilities and future possibilities of soluble chemical combinatorial libraries - Epitope mapping with peptides - Synthesis and applications of branched peptides in immunological methods and vaccines

Almost two centuries ago proteins were recognized as the primary materials (proteios = primary) oflife, but the significance and wide role of peptides (from pepsis = digestion) in practically all life pro cesses has only become apparent in the last few decades. Biologi cally active peptides are now being discovered at rapid intervals in the brain and in other organs including the heart, in the skin of amphibians and many other tissues. Peptides and peptide-like compounds are found among toxins and antibiotics. It is unlikely that this process, an almost explosive broadening of the field, will come to a sudden halt. By now it is obvious that Nature has used the combination of a small to moderate number of amino acids to generate a great variety of agonists with specific and often highly sophisticated functions. Thus, peptide chemistry must be regarded as a discipline in its own right, a major branch of biochemistry, fairly separate from the chemistry of proteins. Because of the important role played by synthesis both in the study and in the practical preparation of peptides, their area can be considered as belonging to bio-organic chemistry as well. The already overwhelming and still increasing body of know ledge renders an account of the history of peptide chemistry more and more difficult. It appears therefore timely to look back, to take stock and to recall the important stages in the development of a new discipline.

Human cells produce at least 30,000 different proteins. Each has a specific function characterized by a unique sequence and native conformation that allows it to perform that function. While research in this post-genomic era has created a deluge of invaluable information, the field has lacked for an authoritative introductory text needed to inform

Peptide Applications in Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Bioengineering summarizes the current knowledge on peptide applications in biomedicine, biotechnology and bioengineering. After a general introduction to peptides, the book addresses the many applications of peptides in biomedicine and medical technology. Next, the text focuses on peptide applications in biotechnology and bioengineering and reviews of peptide applications in nanotechnology. This book is a valuable resource for biomaterial scientists, polymer scientists, bioengineers, mechanical engineers, synthetic chemists, medical doctors and biologists. - Presents a self-contained work for the field of biomedical peptides - Summarizes the current knowledge on peptides in biomedicine, biotechnology and bioengineering - Covers current and potential applications of biomedical peptides

The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology: Volume 4: Modern Techniques of Conformational, Structural, and Configurational Analysis is an open-ended treatise that provides comprehensive and critical reviews of important developments in all areas of peptide research including analysis, synthesis, and biology. X-ray structure studies, amino acid analysis, and chiroptical analysis of configuration are discussed, along with solid-phase sequencing and ultramicroanalysis with the aid of fluorescence. This volume is comprised of six chapters and begins with an account of crystal structure analysis on molecules containing 2-12 peptide units, focusing on the variety of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, cis peptide units, and multiple conformation. Conformational changes upon complexation with metal ions are considered, together with the inclusion of solvents as integral parts of a molecular structure. The following chapters explore the conformations of insulin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide and related molecules, as well as the molecular biology of these hormones based on crystal structures; the usefulness of chiroptical techniques for determining the absolute configuration of amino acids and small peptides; and ultramicroanalysis of peptides and proteins by high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection. The final chapter looks at the status and future potential of solid-phase sequencing. This book is intended as a reference for specialists, a guide for the novice, and a forum for investigators concerned with research on peptides and proteins.

Peptides play a decisive role in many physiological processes, whether as neurotransmitters, hormones or antibiotics. The rapid developments in peptide research over the past few decades make it almost impossible for newcomers to gain an overview. This means an easily comprehensible yet concise introduction is vital. This unique work covers all the important aspects of this wide-ranging field in one handy volume. On the basis of the fundamental chemical and structural properties of peptides, this reference runs the gamut from analysis, the occurrence and biological importance of peptides, via chemical, biochemical and genetic methods of peptide synthesis, right up to peptide libraries, peptide design and their role in drug research. Yet this book offers much more than a mere overview of the latest level of research. An encyclopedic appendix with valuable data on more than 500 biological relevant peptides and proteins, a comprehensive register and details of further literature references make this the ideal reference for all questions regarding peptide research. For newcomers and specialists alike. On the basis of the fundamental chemical and structural properties of peptides, this reference runs the gamut from analysis, the occurrence and biological importance of peptides.