A chemical modification that joins the ends of a peptide chain into a ring, improving stability and resistance to enzymatic breakdown. Many therapeutic peptides use cyclization to extend their half-life.
"Cyclization" is filed under Basics in the PeptideAtlas glossary, alongside 12 other terms in that group.
The building blocks of peptides and proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form peptides.
A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50 amino acids) linked by peptide bonds. Shorter than proteins but with diverse biological activities.
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, PEGylation, Acylation, DAC (Drug Affinity Complex).