The use of cell-penetrating peptides as a tool for gene regulation.
A novel carrier system that originates from membrane shuttling proteins such as the Drosophila homeobox protein Antennapedia, the HIV-1 transcriptional factor TAT and VP22 from HSV-1 has advantages for targeted delivery compared with standard translocation techniques. This transport system is mediated by so-called cell-penetrating peptides, which consist of short peptide sequences that rapidly translocate large molecules into the cell interior in a seemingly energy- and receptor-independent manner. Cell-penetrating peptides have low toxicity and a high yield of delivery and in the future might become a widely used tool in the field of gene regulation.
Järver
Peter
P
Department of Neurochemistry and Neurotoxicology, Stockholm University, S. Arrheniusv 21A, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
Langel
Ulo
U
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D020868:Gene Silencing; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010957:Plasmids; D021381:Protein Transport; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D010455:Peptides; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering