Peptides are naturally occurring biomolecules that are essential for many biological processes. In addition to their natural functions, they hold great potential as therapeutic agents because their size allows them to target surfaces that are too large for small molecules, while still being more permeable than larger biological drugs. However, their clinical application is often limited by poor stability and low cell permeability.
Alejandro Yeste Vázquez investigated how chemical modifications can overcome these limitations and improve the pharmacological properties of peptides. He specifically focused on designing modified peptides that can inhibit protein-protein interactions involved in the onset and progression of diseases. With this work, Yeste Vázquez aims to contribute to the development of new peptide-based therapies for diseases where traditional small molecules and biologics have proven insufficient.
Yeste Vázquez demonstrates that it is possible to chemically tweak small protein-like molecules—known as peptides—to make them more stable and enhance their ability to penetrate cells. However, he also emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution—how a peptide behaves depends heavily on its specific composition. While his research helps us understand how certain chemical changes can improve these molecules, Yeste Vázquez also shows that each new peptide must be individually tested to determine what works best. This brings science one step closer to designing better, more effective drugs based on these molecules.
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