Glossary

Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP)

Glossary / Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP)
Biochemistry

Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP) — An enzyme that cleaves dipeptides from the N-terminus of polypeptides, with DPP-IV being a key degradation enzyme for incretin peptides like GLP-1.

Category
Biochemistry
Glossary Section
D

What Is Dipeptidyl Peptidase?

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV, DPP-4, CD26) is a serine exopeptidase that cleaves dipeptides from the N-terminus of peptides containing Pro or Ala at position 2 (X-Pro↓ or X-Ala↓). DPP-IV rapidly degrades GLP-1 and GIP (t1/2 ~2 min), making it a major target for diabetes drug design.

Significance

  • DPP-IV inhibitors: Gliptins (sitagliptin, saxagliptin) are oral diabetes drugs that extend endogenous GLP-1 half-life
  • DPP-IV-resistant analogs: Semaglutide, liraglutide contain Aib at position 2 to resist DPP-IV cleavage
  • Peptide design: Avoid Pro/Ala at position 2 or use D-Ala to block DPP-IV degradation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP)?

An enzyme that cleaves dipeptides from the N-terminus of polypeptides, with DPP-IV being a key degradation enzyme for incretin peptides like GLP-1.

Why is Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP) important in peptide research?

Dipeptidyl Peptidase (DPP) is a fundamental concept in biochemistry as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.

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