Protein transduction: an alternative to genetic intervention?
Protein transduction, an emerging technology with potential applications in gene therapy, can best be described as the internalisation of proteins into the cell, from the external environment. This process relies on the inherent property of a small number of proteins and peptides of being able to penetrate the cell membrane. The transducing property of these molecules can be conferred upon proteins which are expressed as fusions with them and thus offers an alternative to gene therapy for the delivery of therapeutic proteins into target cells. This review describes the three most commonly used protein transduction vehicles; the antennapedia peptide, the herpes simplex virus VP22 protein and HIV TAT protein transduction domain. The future prospects for the application of this technology in gene therapy are also discussed.
Ford
K G
KG
Department of Molecular Medicine, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, The Rayne Institute, 123 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.
Souberbielle
B E
BE
Darling
D
D
Farzaneh
F
F
D051943:Antennapedia Homeodomain Protein; D015696:Gene Products, tat / Q000235:genetics; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014161:Transduction, Genetic; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D051943:Antennapedia Homeodomain Protein; D015696:Gene Products, tat; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D015678:Viral Structural Proteins; C073413:herpes simplex virus type 1 protein VP22