About this Research Topic
The need to address these limitations, and to convert peptides into molecules suitable for medicinal chemistry in drug discovery, has led to the development of peptidomimetics as compounds able to mimic natural peptides and retain the ability to interact with biological targets--thereby producing the same biological effect. Peptidomimetics can be obtained by opportunely controlling the conformational flexibility of the related peptide and/or introducing functional modifications by various synthetic strategies aimed at conferring higher metabolic stability, good bioavailability, and enhanced receptor affinity and selectivity.
In this Research Topic, we wish to highlight recent advances in the development of peptidomimetics. Topics to be addressed include, but are not limited to:
• Design and synthesis of novel peptidomimetics
• Structure-activity relationship studies
• Synthetic strategies for local modifications, secondary structure mimetics and global restrictions
• Structural and physical-chemical characterization
• Pharmacokinetic optimization of novel peptidomimetics
• Applications of peptidomimetics in drug discovery
Submissions addressing the development of peptidomimetics with innovative compositions or synthetic strategy and mechanisms of action are also strongly encouraged. Manuscripts reporting original research and perspectives, as well as reviews and mini-reviews, are welcome.
Prof. Cobb is the founder and director of PepMoTec Limited, a peptide technology spinout company, and has patents in the field. All the other Topic Editors declare no competing interests.
Keywords: peptidomimetics, design, chemical synthesis, structure-activity relationship, drug discovery, drug development
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.