Peptide Self-Regulation in Living Systems (Facts and Hypotheses) - Shataeva, L. K. 2003

Conclusion

We have examined experimental and theoretical data concerning the structural features and properties of Peptides that selectively interact with phospholipid Cell Membranes and Cell Nucleus Chromatin. Our goal was to identify the specific forms of intermolecular interactions that drive the vital and, above all, regulatory BIOLOGICAL Functions OF peptides. This work does not cover the interaction of peptides with other biologically important components of living Cells, such as CARBOHYDRATES, triglycerides, Steroids, Prostaglandins, and inorganic ions. These interactions are equally crucial for the self-regulation of living systems and their environmental adaptation. This omission is due not so much to a lack of attention from modern researchers toward these interactions, but rather to the authors' modest ambition not to "embrace the unmeasurable." We focused on understanding and evaluating THE CONTRIBUTION OF regulatory peptides to altering critical biological structures (phospholipid bilayers and DNA Double helices). Apparently, we have only succeeded in Setting the Stage for this problem and drawing certain conceptual Conclusions.

First, the interactions of regulatory peptides (RP) with cell membrane receptor structures, the phospholipid surface, and the DNA double helix occur via a cooperative mechanism requiring precise spatial correspondence between the Functional groups of both interacting partners.

Second, although these interactions are polyfunctional and thermodynamically reversible—as indicated by binding constant calculations in these systems—the absolute values of the Free energy of binding are quite high and are driven by entropic (informational) changes within the system.

Third, tissue-specific intermolecular interactions of RPs are reflected in The activity of Brain Neurons and influence neurotransmitter release. The brain (Central Nervous system) controls and coordinates peptide self-Regulation at the whole-Organism level. It is hardly a coincidence that localized impairment or a general decline in peptide self-regulation is accompanied by symptoms of clinical depression, which is particularly prevalent among the elderly.

Fourth, conventional Methods for calculating optimal molecular Conformations for interacting peptides, Phospholipids, and DNA assume a homogeneous environment for the participants. Consequently, they fail to account for local changes in The ionization of functional groups, Hydration, and molecular conformations when minimizing the system's free energy. Solving this problem requires both The Development of more accurate molecular models and a comprehensive experimental approach.

Nevertheless, current theoretical concepts and experimental observations have enabled the identification and substantiation of METHODS FOR PRODUCING and utilizing regulatory oligopeptides to compensate for the declining self-regulatory potential in damaged and Aging organisms. Today, this avenue of development in geriatric practice appears highly promising.

In Conclusion, the authors express their gratitude to Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences I. P. Ashmarin, Prof. V. G. Morozov, MD, and V. V. Malinin, MD, for their critical remarks and valuable advice during the preparation of the manuscript.