An Intrinsically Disordered Peptide Facilitates Non‐Endosomal Cell Entry. Issue 10 (2nd February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Medina, Scott H.; Miller, Stephen E.; Keim, Allison I.; Gorka, Alexander P.; Schnermann, Martin J.; Schneider, Joel P.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 55:Issue 10(2016)
• Page Start: 3369
• Page End: 3372
• Publication Date: 2016-02-02
• Subjects: cell-penetrating peptides -- drug delivery -- gene expression -- live-cell microscopy -- translocation; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201510518
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Many cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) fold at cell surfaces, adopting α‐ or β‐structure that enable their intracellular transport. However, the same structural folds that facilitate cellular entry can also elicit potent membrane‐lytic activity, limiting their use in delivery applications. Further, a distinct CPP can enter cells through many mechanisms, often leading to endosomal entrapment. Herein, we describe an intrinsically disordered peptide (CLIP6) that exclusively employs non‐endosomal mechanisms to cross cellular membranes, while being remarkably biocompatible and serum‐stable. We show that a single anionic glutamate residue is responsible for maintaining the disordered bioactive state of the peptide, defines its mechanism of cellular entry, and is central to its biocompatibility. CLIP6 can deliver membrane‐impermeable cargo directly to the cytoplasm of cells, suggesting its broad utility for delivery of drug candidates limited by poor cell permeability and endosomal degradation. Abstract : Disorder imparts order : CLIP6, an intrinsically disordered peptide, mediates cellular entry through non‐endosomal physical translocation across the membrane. This activity, defined by its unstructured state, facilitates the delivery of membrane‐impermeable cargo to the interior of cells.