Cell-penetrating peptides show promise as versatile tools for intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. Various peptides have originated from natural proteins with antimicrobial activity. We investigated the mammalian cell-penetrating properties of a 16-residue peptide with the sequence GRCRGFRRRCFCTTHC from the C-terminus tail of the Medicago truncatula defensin MtDef4. We evaluated the peptide’s ability to penetrate multiple cell types. Our results demonstrate that the peptide efficiently penetrates mammalian cells within minutes and at a micromolar concentration. Moreover, upon N-terminal fusion to the fluorescent protein GFP, the peptide efficiently delivers GFP into the cells. Despite its remarkable cellular permeability, the peptide has only a minor effect on cellular viability, making it a promising candidate for developing a cell-penetrating peptide with potential therapeutic applications.
Original language | English |
Article number | 4604 |
Journal | |
Volume | 14 |
Issue Number | 1 |
State | Published: 26 February 2024 |
Funding
Funders | Funder Number |
Adama Center | |
Bountica Ltd | |
Gertner Institute for Medical Nano System | |
Gertner Institute for the Medical Nano System | 29663 |
Israel Science Foundation | ISF 632/20 |
Keywords
Cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)
Cellular uptake
Delivery agents
MtDef4
Peptides
Protein transduction
Therapeutics
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