peptide binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a peptide, an organic compound comprising two or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds. [GOC:jl]

Peptide binding is a fundamental molecular interaction that plays a crucial role in a wide range of biological processes. It involves the specific and non-covalent association of a peptide molecule with a protein or another macromolecule. The peptide binding site on the protein is typically a pocket or groove that is lined with amino acid residues that can interact with the peptide through various forces, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces. These interactions contribute to the specificity and affinity of the binding event. The molecular function of peptide binding can be categorized into several key aspects: 1) **Recognition and Specificity:** Peptide binding sites exhibit high specificity for particular peptide sequences, enabling proteins to distinguish between different peptides and target specific ones. This specificity arises from the precise arrangement of amino acid residues within the binding site, which create a complementary shape and charge distribution that favors interactions with the target peptide. 2) **Signal Transduction:** Peptide binding often initiates signaling pathways that regulate cellular processes. For instance, hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines are peptides that bind to specific receptors on cell surfaces, triggering downstream signaling cascades that influence gene expression, cell growth, and other cellular functions. 3) **Regulation of Protein Activity:** Peptides can bind to and regulate the activity of target proteins. This can involve activation or inhibition of the protein's function. For example, enzyme inhibitors are often peptides that bind to the active site of the enzyme, blocking its catalytic activity. 4) **Transport and Delivery:** Some peptides function as carriers for other molecules, transporting them to specific locations within the cell or organism. For instance, certain peptides bind to and deliver proteins to their appropriate destinations within cells. 5) **Assembly and Structure:** Peptides play a role in the assembly and maintenance of complex macromolecular structures. For example, collagen, a major component of connective tissues, is a fibrous protein composed of repeating peptide sequences that self-assemble into long, rope-like structures. Overall, peptide binding is a complex and highly regulated molecular process that is essential for a wide range of biological functions. It enables proteins to interact with specific peptide ligands, triggering signaling pathways, regulating protein activity, transporting molecules, and assembling macromolecular structures. The specific interactions and consequences of peptide binding are highly dependent on the nature of the participating molecules, the surrounding environment, and the biological context. '
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Proteins (35)

Compounds (718)