Cell-penetrating peptides: mechanisms and applications

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Hydrophilic drugs face bioavailability challenges due to poor cell membrane penetration.
• Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains (PTDs), are emerging as a solution.
• CPPs facilitate the cellular uptake of various molecules, including potential therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) research.
• To discuss the potential of CPPs as pharmaceutical and biochemical tools.
• To focus on the cell-penetrating peptide transportan and its role in cellular uptake.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent publications on CPPs and cellular uptake mechanisms.
• Analysis of studies investigating CPP characteristics, such as charge and amphipathicity.
• Examination of research on the biological effects of CPPs and their associated cargos.

Main Results:

• CPPs are peptides with positive net charge and/or amphipathic properties that facilitate drug delivery.
• The exact mechanism of CPP cellular internalization remains under investigation, with recent evidence suggesting endocytosis cannot be excluded.
• Despite mechanistic uncertainties, CPPs demonstrate significant biological effects and cargo delivery capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) represent a promising strategy to overcome the low bioavailability of hydrophilic drugs.
• Further research is needed to elucidate CPP uptake mechanisms and optimize their therapeutic applications.
• CPPs, particularly transportan, warrant increased attention for their potential in drug development and biochemical research.