Functional Peptidomics: Recent Developments and State of Art

Peptidomic research recently reviewed in is gradually establishing its position among other branches of biomolecular science, such as genomics and proteomics dealing with progressive stages of transformation of primary genetic information. Scope and limitations of modern analytical techniques in total screen- ing of biological objects for endogenous peptides will be discussed. New data will be presented on peptide generation by microorganisms, cell cultures and plants. Considerable attention will be afforded to the biological role of peptides formed in vivo by proteolysis of precursor proteins with other, well defined functions, such as hemoglobin or actin. Peptidomic research provides access to a huge number of potentially or factually active components which is an invaluable source of peptide drug leads. The first steps in medically oriented peptidomic studies will be discussed.