Designed molecules that fold to mimic protein secondary structures

Molecules that fold to mimic protein secondary structures have emerged as i mportant targets of bioorganic chemistry. Recently, a variety of compounds that mimic helices, turns, and sheets have been developed, with notable advances in the design of beta-peptides that mimic each of these structures. These compounds hold promise as a step towa rd synthetic molecules with protein-like properties and as drugs that block protein-protein interactions.