Signal Peptide
Definition
A short amino-acid sequence that helps direct a newly made protein to a cellular destination, often the secretory pathway.
By PurePeptideHub Editorial Team · Updated . Educational source review; independent clinical review pending.
A cellular address signal
Protein targeting is one way cells deliver molecules to the right compartment. Blobel’s work established that sequences within proteins can govern their transport and localization. A signal peptide is part of this routing machinery, not a general term for any peptide that influences a receptor.
References: [1]
Example: precursor and mature protein
A sequence record may include an initial signal segment that is removed during processing. The mature protein can therefore have a different length from the initially translated precursor. When comparing a reported molecular mass with a sequence, check which form is being described.
Common naming confusion
Signal peptide in cell biology and signaling peptide in commercial skincare writing can refer to different concepts. The surrounding explanation should identify whether it means an intracellular targeting sequence or a molecule proposed to affect cell communication.