Title : Specific bioactive fragments of collagen: From identification to healthcare prospects
Abstract:
Collagen is a crucial structural and functional protein that has garnered significant attention due to its diverse biological roles. A key focus of current research is on specific bioactive fragments (SBFs)—short peptide sequences released during collagen degradation. It is important to note that these fragments are not generic peptides; their amino acid sequences exhibit species- and collagen-type specificity, enabling them to function as "molecular fingerprints" for source identification. This characteristic endows SBFs with a dual functionality, serving both as traceability markers and bioactive molecules. However, the structural complexity of native collagen, including its ill-defined active regions and steric interference, impedes mechanistic studies and limits targeted applications of its bioactive fragments.
In this presentation, we will share our latest findings on SBFs of collagen. We will begin by introducing methods for the targeted identification and characterization of SBFs from various collagen sources, with emphasis on the relationship between their sequence features and species. This will be followed by an in-depth investigation into the documented bioactivities of SBFs (e.g., their role in hematopoiesis) using an integrated strategy. Enhanced comprehension of the dual properties of collagen and its derivatives, namely its functions for source authentication and as a bioactive component, will facilitate the development of more efficacious and targeted products in the healthcare and nutraceutical fields.
