Macrocyclic Cell Penetrating Peptides: A Study of Structure-Penetration Properties

Cyclization of a cell-penetrating peptide via click-chemistry increases proteolytic resistance and improves drug delivery

In this work we report synthesis and biological evaluation of a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), that is partly cyclized via a triazole bridge. Recently, beneficious properties have been reported for cyclized peptides concerning their metabolic stability and intracellular uptake. A CPP based on human calcitonin was used in this study, and side chain cyclization was achieved via copper catalyzed alkyne-azide click reaction. Cell viability studies in several cell-lines revealed no cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, efficient uptake in breast cancer MCF-7 cells could be determined. Moreover, preliminary studies using this novel peptide as drug transporter for daunorubicin were performed. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tuning the properties of a novel short cell-penetrating peptide by intramolecular cyclization with a triazole bridge

Cyclic versus linear: cyclic triazole-bridged cell-penetrating peptides are optimally arranged within the membrane, thus at the same time inducing suitable DNA complexation and successful peptide membrane insertion.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Coated with a Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotide and a Cationic Peptide: Exploring Four Different Ways of Surface Functionalization

The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have great potential in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Due to their superparamagnetic behavior, they are used clinically as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Iron oxide nanoparticles are also recognized todays as smart drug-delivery systems. However, to increase their specificity, it is essential to functionalize them with a molecule that effectively targets a specific area of the body. Among the molecules that can fulfill this role, peptides are excellent candidates. Oligonucleotides are recognized as potential drugs for various diseases but suffer from poor uptake and intracellular degradation. In this work, we explore four different strategies, based on the electrostatic interactions between the different partners, to functionalize the surface of SPIONs with a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide (ODN) and a cationic peptide labeled with a fluorophore. The internalization of the nanoparticles has been evaluated in vitro on RAW 264.7 cells. Among these strategies, the "«one-step assembly»", i.e., the direct complexation of oligonucleotides and peptides on iron oxide nanoparticles, provides the best way of coating for the internalization of the nanocomplexes.