An aggregating elastin-like pentapeptide

Synthetic VGGVG, a "monomeric" unit of the glycine-rich regions of elastin, has been investigated for its molecular and supramolecular properties. In aqueous solution the pentapeptide showed conformational features strongly concentration-dependent. CD and NMR studies suggested a partial unfolding on increasing the concentration. Electron microscopy, on the other hand, evidenced extensive aggregation of the pentapeptide yielding elastin-like supramolecular structures constituted either by twisted ropes or by banded fibrils.