46668 - Bioactive Peptides and Peptide Analogues

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the uses of peptides and analogues in biology, industry,  foodstuffs and  zootechnics. In particular, the student knows: - practical techniques for the synthesis of peptides, and their analysis and structural determination- the relationship between structure and function relationship; methods of synthesis and production of peptides in the laboratory, and at the level industrial - the fundamentals of principles and mechanism of action in the interaction between peptides and biological matrices, in particular: neuropeptides, opioid peptides, peptide antibiotics, peptide hormones, - strategies for modifying the properties of peptides - the special properties for biotechnological, pharmaceutical, industrial and medical applications.

Course contents

Peptides of biological, industrial, agricultural and food interest.  Structure and function of unusual peptides from plants, bacteria, fungi.  Peptide synthesis and production in laboratory and in industry (SPPS - solid phase synthesis, enzymatic synthesis, automatic synthesis, combinatorial synthesis...). Principles and mechanism of action in the interaction between peptides and receptors, enzymes, or membranes. 

Principles of drug peptidomimetic drug design:  from peptides to drugs. 

Pharmacology of peptides. 

Integration between conformational study and investigation of structure activity relationship. 

Neuropeptides. Opioids and analogous, and analgesic action.  Oppioid receptors. 

Natural or synthetic antibiotic peptides. 

Inhibitors of adhesion receptors. 

Peptide hormones. 

Synthetic and modified peptides with special properties for biotechnological, druggist and medical applications:  biomaterials, biosensors;  self-assemblant nanostructures;  applications to biocatalysis;  application to asymmetric catalysis;  glycopeptides for detection of antibodies....

Practice:  synthesis of an opioid peptide by means of an automated synthesizer.  The practice will allow the use of:  nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);  MALDI;  electrospray-mass (Es-ms);  microwave reactor  (MW).

Readings/Bibliography

Santagada, Caliendo - Peptidi e peptidomimetici - PICCIN

Sewald, Jakubke, Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, Wiley Ed

Teaching methods

Lectures with power point. Exercises during the course, teamwork. Preparation of a report on a topic addressed in the lectures, to expand of specific aspects, of student's choice, but to be agreed with the teacher.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning is done by means of a oral final exam, which ensures the knowledge and  expected skills. Initially, the exam starts with the discussion of  a report prepared by the studenton a topic addressed in the lectures, to expand of specific aspects. The theme of the report is chosen by the student and must be notified in advance to the teacher. This is followed by an exercise on the blackboard that aims to solve a problem of synthesis. This second test is followed by a question on theory. The score is calculated for the 40% on the basis of the submission and discussion of the report. Originality, rigor and clarity, and adherence to the formats of international magazines, are  rewarded. And another 30% is calculated on the basis of the exercize, with the remaining 30% on the outcome of the question on the theory. The overall duration of the oral exam is an average of 30 minutes. Upon request, the student may face a written test.

Teaching tools

power point, slides

Office hours

See the website of Luca Gentilucci