Amino acid sequence and D/L-configuration determination methods for D-amino acid-containing peptides in living organisms

D-amino acid-containing peptides with biological activities have been isola ted from invertebrates and amphibians, and partial racemization of amino ac id residues in mammalian peptides associated with aging and diseases have b een discussed. Here, we review the amino acid configuration determination m ethods in these peptides and recent progress of simultaneous determination method for sequence and configuration of amino acid residues. The applicabi lity of C-terminus sequence analysis and mass spectrometry to configuration determination of amino acids is also discussed. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wi ley & Sons, Ltd.