What are Peptides?

Peptides are naturally occurring biological molecules.  They are short chains of amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds.  Peptides are distinguished from proteins on the basis of size.  This number is usually distinguished by 50 or fewer amino acids.  Proteins are polypeptides that are more complex.  Intake and production of all the amino acids is necessary for the production of all the peptides needed for the body to operate efficiently.

Peptides are created through peptide synthesis.  This is the combination of amino acids that are connected through peptide bonds.  Peptides are synthesized by coupling the carboxyl group or C-terminus of one amino acid to the amino group or N-terminus of another. There are two strategies for peptide synthesis: liquid-phase peptide synthesis and solid-phase peptide synthesis.


In 1901 the first synthetic peptide was discovered by Emil Fischer working with Ernest Fourneau.  It was not until 1953 that the first polypeptide was synthesized by Vincent de Vigneaud.  This peptide synthesized by de Vigneaud is the popularly know Oxytocin.  Oxytocin is produced naturally in the brain by the hypothalamus where it is transported out before being secreted by the pituitary gland.  This peptide serves many purposes in the reproductive cycle such as triggering child birth and also during breast feeding.  This peptide also creates a sense of trust and well being in the brain.  


Peptides have a wide range of applications in medicine and biology.  They are what regulate most physiological process of the body.  From the endocrine system to growth factors and neurotransmitters, peptides signal the body in numerous ways.  Insulin was the first therapeutic protein to be introduced to help treat Diabetics in the 1950's.  Since then over 60 different peptide drugs have been approved by the FDA for use.  There are about 140 currently in clinical trials and another 500+ peptide drugs in pre-clinical development.

Knight Peptide will continue to explore the world of peptides and be a place of education.