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Arginine containing peptides as delivery vectors.
Ching-Hsuan Tung1, Ralph Weissleder
1Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th St., Rm. 5406, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA. tung@helix.mgh.harvard.edu
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|February 5, 2003
Summary
Membrane translocalizational signals (MTS) are short peptides that can deliver molecules into cells via an energy-independent pathway. This review details arginine-containing MTS for potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Membrane translocalizational signals (MTS) are peptides facilitating cellular entry.
- MTS can transport various molecules, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and nanoparticles.
- These signals operate via an energy-independent pathway, crossing the plasma membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties and characteristics of arginine-containing MTS.
- To discuss the in vitro and in vivo applications of these signals.
- To explore the potential of MTS as delivery vectors for therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on arginine-containing MTS.
- Analysis of MTS properties, including amino acid sequence length and hydrophobicity.
- Compilation of reported in vitro and in vivo applications.
Main Results:
- MTS are peptide sequences (9-30 amino acids) capable of penetrating cell membranes.
- Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic MTS sequences have been identified.
- Arginine-rich MTS show significant potential for intracellular delivery.
Conclusions:
- MTS represent a promising tool for intracellular delivery of diverse cargo.
- Arginine-containing MTS are particularly effective and versatile.
- Further research into MTS could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.