Peptide transport, protein quality, and their impact on human health

In order to understand the effect of proteins on human health it is important to consider not just ‘protein’ alone but also its amino acid composition, effect of peptide fragments on cellular processes, and the quality of the protein. As protein is digested, small peptides (di/tri-peptides) are generated and absorbed via Peptide Transporter 1 (PepT1). We determined that the regional localization of this transporter changes during development in Yucatan miniature piglets and that certain dipeptides may be effective in reducing inflammation after small intestinal resection or bacterial peptide challenge. In addition to specific peptides, the quality of a protein source – its digestibility and amino acid composition – can impact growth rates and overall health. While the quality of plant-based proteins is lower than those derived from animals, we have demonstrated that plant-based protein quality can be differentially increased through blending, thermal treatments, and biological processes (germination/fermentation). We have also demonstrated that the genetic background of the crop, and location in which it is grown, can alter protein content/amino acid composition and subsequently the protein quality. Moving forward there is a drive to combine the research areas of protein quality and peptide transport to identify bioactive peptides present in novel dietary protein sources that can function metabolically. This seminar will discuss three areas of protein research: 1) Di/Tri-Peptide Transport 2) Protein Quality 3) Bioactivity of small peptides