Acylation

The attachment of a fatty acid chain to a peptide, enabling it to bind albumin in the bloodstream and dramatically extending its half-life. Semaglutide and cagrilintide use this strategy.

"Acylation" is filed under Basics in the PeptideAtlas glossary, alongside 12 other terms in that group.

Terms you need to read this one

Amino Acid

The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form peptides.

Peptide

A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50 amino acids) linked by peptide bonds. Shorter than proteins but with diverse biological activities.

Peptide Bond

The chemical bond formed between two amino acids when the carboxyl group of one reacts with the amino group of another, releasing water.

More Basics terms: Amino Acid, Peptide, Peptide Bond, Sequence, Analogue, Bioregulator, Neuropeptide, Signaling Peptide, D-Retro-Inverso, Cyclization, PEGylation, DAC (Drug Affinity Complex).