Bioactive Peptides from Corn (Zea mays L.) with the Potential to Decrease the Risk of Developing Non-Communicable...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Food Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Corn (Zea mays L.) proteins, particularly α-zein, are recognized for potential therapeutic applications in non-communicable chronic diseases.
• Enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins generates diverse bioactive peptides.
• Existing research suggests corn-derived peptides may target pathways relevant to hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate the potential bioactivity of peptides derived from corn α-zein using in silico methods.
• To analyze the potential of α-zein hydrolysates as sources of therapeutic peptides for chronic diseases.
• To assess the efficiency of combining in silico and in vitro approaches for bioactive peptide discovery.

Main Methods:

• Bioinformatic analysis of α-zein amino acid sequences using UniProtKB.
• In silico enzymatic digestion simulation via the BIOPEP database.
• Peptide bioactivity prediction using the PeptideRanker database.
• Review of existing in vitro studies on corn peptide bioactivities.

Main Results:

• In silico analysis predicted peptide fragments primarily targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), and dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP-III).
• These enzyme targets are crucial in the therapeutic mechanisms for high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
• In vitro studies highlighted antioxidative properties as a primary bioactivity of corn peptides.

Conclusions:

• Corn α-zein is a promising source of bioactive peptides with potential applications in managing chronic diseases.
• In silico evaluation, combined with in vitro studies, offers an efficient and cost-effective strategy for discovering therapeutic peptides.
• Corn-derived peptides could serve as alternative agents for conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.