Discussion paper: towards a systematic classification for regulatory peptides.

Abstract

Advances in microsequencing technology have led to the elucidation of primary structures of peptidic messengers from many eukaryotic and prokaryotic life forms. Existing peptide nomenclature is based upon such factors as bioactivity, source of isolation (tissue or species), chemical attributes, acronyms derived from a combination of these factors, or by other arbitrary means. In order to overcome many of the problems arising from current nomenclature, a standardised classification scheme for peptidic messengers is proposed which utilises an alphanumeric code string analogous to EC enzyme classification to convey information on origin, chemistry and relatedness to other similar molecules. It is anticipated that the scheme outlined will provide the basis for the rational classification of new peptides.