Bioactive Peptides

Focuses on Biology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Applications

The study and diverse applications of bioactive peptides traverse many sub-disciplines within chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine. Answering a long-standing need, Bioactive Peptides focuses on the biology, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications of endogenous peptide mediators and their analogues. Moving peptide science beyond chemical synthesis strategies and into the realms of peptide biology and therapeutics, it presents the overall contribution that peptide science has made to molecular, cellular, and whole organism biology, while also discussing future targets and therapeutic applications.

Beneficial for Experts and Novices Alike

Part I provides details of bioactive peptides that interact with common drug targets and analyzes some of the most competitive areas of current research worldwide. While it is widely known that mammalian physiological systems utilize bioactive peptides that have yet to be discovered, other animals provide a rich and valuable source of bioactive peptides. This fascinating area of science is the theme of Part II. Parts III and IV investigate the unique bioactivities of various peptides that are ripe for further exploration.

This definitive reference also includes:

• A detailed description and analysis of a broad range of peptides that interact with G protein-coupled receptors, the quantitatively dominant drug target
• A discussion of non-ribosomal peptides, which hold promise as sources of endogenous mediators
• Important examples of common methodologies employed to identify, characterize, and further develop bioactive peptides from a range of natural sources

With mounting worldwide interest in their therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides—including the identification of new species, the synthesis of structural analogues, and diverse applications in biology and medicine—will likely remain at the forefront of scientific endeavor for many decades. Providing even casual readers with a broad flavor of the nature and applications of peptides, this volume attracts and excites tomorrow’s researchers who are charged with further developing and implementing the findings presented herein.

Focuses on Biology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Applications

The study and diverse applications of bioactive peptides traverse many sub-disciplines within chemistry, biology, physics, and medicine. Answering a long-standing need, Bioactive Peptides focuses on the biology, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications of endogenous peptide mediators and their analogues. Moving peptide science beyond chemical synthesis strategies and into the realms of peptide biology and therapeutics, it presents the overall contribution that peptide science has made to molecular, cellular, and whole organism biology, while also discussing future targets and therapeutic applications.

Beneficial for Experts and Novices Alike

Part I provides details of bioactive peptides that interact with common drug targets and analyzes some of the most competitive areas of current research worldwide. While it is widely known that mammalian physiological systems utilize bioactive peptides that have yet to be discovered, other animals provide a rich and valuable source of bioactive peptides. This fascinating area of science is the theme of Part II. Parts III and IV investigate the unique bioactivities of various peptides that are ripe for further exploration.

This definitive reference also includes:

• A detailed description and analysis of a broad range of peptides that interact with G protein-coupled receptors, the quantitatively dominant drug target


• A discussion of non-ribosomal peptides, which hold promise as sources of endogenous mediators


• Important examples of common methodologies employed to identify, characterize, and further develop bioactive peptides from a range of natural sources

With mounting worldwide interest in their therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides—including the identification of new species, the synthesis of structural analogues, and diverse applications in biology and medicine—will likely remain at the forefront of scientific endeavor for many decades. Providing even casual readers with a broad flavor of the nature and applications of peptides, this volume attracts and excites tomorrow’s researchers who are charged with further developing and implementing the findings presented herein.

John Howl, Ph.D., is a professor of molecular pharmacology within the Research Institute in Healthcare Science, School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, UK. He is a regular contributor to international conferences and co-author of numerous scientific articles describing the biological activities of novel peptides. Professor Howl is also a member of the European Peptide Society and founder of Pantechnia, a company that provides both de novo materials and consultancy in the synthesis and applications of bioactive peptides.

Sarah Jones, Ph.D., is a research fellow within the Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences and has worked alongside Professor Howl for many years. Besides her role as a product specialist to Pantechnia, her current research endeavors include the application of cell penetrating peptides to modulate biological phenomena, with a particular emphasis on novel inducers of apoptosis. Dr. Jones has produced numerous scientific publications within the field of bioactive peptides, is a regular contributor at international meetings, and is a member of the European Peptide Society.