List of Cell Penetrating Peptides
Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) as Delivery Systems
Researchers constantly seek efficient methods to introduce bioactive compounds, whether they be proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules, into living cells without compromising their integrity. This is where Cell-Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) come into play, offering an innovative and highly effective solution for intracellular delivery.
What Are Cell Penetrating Peptides?
Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) are short chains of amino acids capable of crossing cellular membranes, facilitating the delivery of various therapeutic and experimental cargoes, such as bioactive molecules, into cells. Discovered in the late 1980s, CPPs have since emerged as a versatile tool in cell biology, drug development, and therapeutic research. Their ability to transport molecules that otherwise cannot penetrate cell membranes, such as proteins, peptides, and even large nucleic acids like plasmid DNA or RNA, makes them indispensable for both fundamental research and clinical applications.
How CPPs Work
The Mechanism of Membrane Translocation The mechanism by which CPPs traverse cell membranes remains an area of active research, but two main pathways are recognized:
1. Endocytic Pathway: CPPs can initiate receptor-independent endocytosis, effectively encapsulating the cargo in endosomes, from which it can be released into the cytoplasm.
2. Direct Translocation: In some cases, CPPs interact directly with the lipid bilayer, forming transient pores or disrupting the membrane structure enough to allow the cargo to diffuse into the cell. These pathways allow CPPs to deliver cargo without the need for external delivery tools or harsh conditions, offering a gentler, more reliable approach compared to other delivery methods like electroporation or viral vectors.
Key Benefits of CPPs:
For academic researchers, CPPs are a game-changer. They provide a flexible platform for introducing molecules into a wide variety of cell types, from primary cells to cell lines, without the limitations of traditional methods. Here is why CPPs are increasingly becoming the go-to tool in the lab:- Versatile Delivery Vehicle: CPPs can be conjugated with nearly any type of molecule—proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, nanoparticles, and more—making them suitable for diverse applications in molecular and cellular biology.
- Non-Toxic and Non-Viral: CPPs are generally non-toxic to cells at working concentrations, offering a safer alternative to viral delivery systems that carry the risk of immunogenic responses.
- High Efficiency: CPPs have demonstrated remarkable efficiency in delivering macromolecules into cells, overcoming the challenge of cellular membrane impermeability, which has traditionally limited the use of many potential therapeutic agents.
- Broad Applicability: From gene editing and RNA interference studies to targeted drug delivery, CPPs have proven their worth in a wide array of research fields, including cancer biology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.
Types of Cell Penetrating Peptides
Explore our range of CPPs, categorized based on their structural and functional properties.Cationic CPPs:
- High translocation efficiency
- Strong membrane interaction via electrostatic forces
- Ideal for delivering genetic material and proteins
Amphipathic CPPs:
- Dual nature of hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions
- Suitable for delivering hydrophobic and amphipathic molecules
- Stable membrane translocation without significant disruption
Hydrophobic CPPs
- Nonpolar peptide structure
- Effective for the delivery of hydrophobic cargo
- Gentle interaction with cellular membranes.
Applications of Cell Penetrating Peptides
Drug Delivery
Gene Therapy
Molecular Biology Research
A list of the Most Commonly Known CPPs
- Tat peptide: Derived from the HIV-1 Tat protein, known for its ability to translocate across cell membranes.
- TAT-PTD: A modified version of the Tat peptide that enhances its cell-penetrating efficiency.
- Penetratin: A 16-amino acid peptide derived from the homeodomain of the Antennapedia protein in Drosophila, recognized for its efficiency in penetrating cells.
- Transportan: A fusion of a peptide from the neuropeptide galanin and the translocating peptide from the wasp venom, known for its ability to cross cell membranes.
- VP22: Derived from the herpes simplex virus, this peptide can spread through cells and is often used in gene delivery.
- R9: A poly-arginine peptide that has been widely studied for its cellular uptake properties. (also L9, H9 etc.)
- B18R: Derived from the vaccinia virus, it’s used for delivering various cargoes into cells.
- Ready-to-conjugate CPPs
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