A novel genetic algorithm for designing mimetic peptides that interfere with the function of a target molecule.

We designed a new computer program (MIMETIC), which generates a series of peptides for interaction with a target peptide sequence. The genetic algorithm employed ranks the sequences obtained from one generation to the next by "goodness of fit" to the target. MIMETIC designed recognition peptides to various regions of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Among ten peptide candidates synthesized, three inhibited reverse transcription in vitro. TLMA2993 and PSTW1594 both targeted the connection domain of reverse transcriptase and ESLA2340 targeted the thumb domain.