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.

RECEPTOR LIGANDS
Angiotensins: From Endocrine to Intracrine Functions, M.C. Chappell
CT, CGRP, Amylin, and Adrenomedullins, D.L. Hay and D.R. Poyner
Neuropeptide Y Family Peptides, C. Cavadas, J. Rosmaninho Salgado, and E. Grouzmann
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, E.M. Lutz, C. Pou, T.K. Monaghan, and C. MacKenzie
Opioid Peptides, J.V. Aldrich
Cholecystokinins and Gastrins, J.F. Rehfeld
The Chemistry and Biology of Insulin-Like Peptide 3, a Novel Member of the Insulin Superfamily, F. Shabanpoor, R.A. Hughes, F. Separovic, and J.D. Wade
Somatostatin Analogs, K. Öberg
Tachykinins, N.M. Page, P. Subramaniam, and S.E. Newton
Neurotensin, P.R. Dobner and R.E. Carraway
Twenty-Five Years of Galanin Research, J. Runesson, J.K. Robinson, U. Eriksson Sollenberg, and Ü. Langel
Bioactive Peptides in Gut–Brain Signaling, E. Näslund, P. Grybäck, and P.M. Hellström
NONRIBOSOMAL PEPTIDES
Nonribosomal Peptides, A.A. Roberts, L.A. Pearson, and B.A. Neilan
HOST-DEFENSE PEPTIDES AND ANTIMICROBIALS
Anuran Host-Defense Peptides That Complex with Ca2+ Calmodulin and Inhibit the Synthesis of the Cell Signaling Agent Nitric Oxide by Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase, J.R. Doyle, J.H. Bowie, R.J. Jackway, L.E. Llewellyn, T.L. Pukala, M.A. Apponyi, and G.W. Booker
Host-Defense Peptides from the Secretion of the Skin Glands of Frogs and Toads: Membrane-Active Peptides from the Genera Litoria, Uperoleia, and Crinia, J.H. Bowie, R.J. Jackway, F. Separovic, J.A. Carver, and M. J. Tyler
Antimicrobial Peptides, A.M. McDermott
VENOM COMPONENTS AND TOXINS
Mast Cell Degranulating Peptides, J.A. Price
Mastoparans, S. Jones and J. Howl
Spider Venom and Hemolymph-Derived Cytolytic and Antimicrobial Peptides, L. Kuhn-Nentwig, C. Trachsel, and W. Nentwig
Index