Proline-rich, amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008 Mar 1;60(4-5):473-84. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.09.012. Epub 2007 Nov 17.

Abstract

Proline-rich peptides are a chemically and structurally diverse family of cell-penetrating vectors characterised by the presence of pyrrolidine rings from prolines. Amphipathic Pro-rich peptides are particularly effective, demonstrating efficient cellular uptake and non-cytotoxicity. Derivatives with hydrophobic moieties, such as fatty acids or silaproline, have shown highly improved internalisation efficiency; an all D-amino acid version of the CPP SAP was shown to be completely protease resistant and was evaluated in a preliminary in vivo study. CD and TEM studies regarding the self-assembly properties of this family of peptides highlight the possible role of aggregated species in the internalisation process. Finally, these CPPs were shown to be internalised via caveolae or lipid-rafts mediated endocytosis, which circumvents the lysosomal route of degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / pharmacokinetics
  • Proline / chemistry*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Proline