Peptides as a material platform for gene delivery: Emerging concepts and converging technologies

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gene Therapy Delivery
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Gene therapy requires safe and efficient methods for DNA delivery into target cells.
• Peptides serve as promising materials for DNA condensation, cellular uptake, and subcellular release.
• Existing non-viral gene delivery systems face limitations in biocompatibility, stability, and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review structure-function relationships in peptide design for gene delivery.
• To explore how peptide design impacts nanoparticle properties, biological activity, and biocompatibility.
• To highlight recent advancements in peptide-based gene delivery technologies and DNA cargo design.

Main Methods:

• Focus on fundamental structure-function relationships of peptide design.
• Analysis of multi-dimensional peptide structures, non-natural chemistries, and peptide-lipid combinations.
• Review of advances in DNA cargo design, including modern DNA constructs for prolonged expression.

Main Results:

• Peptide design is crucial for controlling nanoparticle physical properties and biological activity.
• Novel peptide technologies, including complex structures and peptide-lipid conjugates, improve transfection efficiency.
• Synergistic combination of advanced peptide carriers with improved DNA cargos enhances gene delivery outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Peptide-based gene delivery systems are highly adaptable and efficient.
• Integration of new chemistries, functionalities, and advanced DNA cargos will drive progress in gene therapy.
• Peptide transfection systems are poised to revolutionize the field of gene therapy.