Cell Penetrating Peptides

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are peptides that are able to penetrate cell membranes (cell membrane penetration). Utilizing this cell penetrating abilities, CPPs can be used to transfer Fusion proteins, nucleic acids or nanoparticles into cells.

Some examples of such peptides that are offered by Genaxxon bioscience are: Arg Peptides, TAT Peptides, Antennapedia Peptides, MPG Peptides, Mastoparan Peptides, NGR Peptides, Penetratin Peptides, MPS, RVG Peptides, Chimeric CPPs.

Most of the cell penetrating peptides are build up from basic and/or non-polar amino acids, especially Lysine and Arginine, Trypthophan, Phenylalanine, Leucine und Isoleucine (polycationic type). While the cationic amino acids bind to negative charged receptors on the cell surface (e.g. sialic acids or heparan sulfate), the non-polar amino acids will interfere with the lipid layer of the cell membrane. Another type of CPPs consist of alternate positioned polar and non-polar amino acids (amphipathic type).

One possible explanation for the uptake of CPPs into the cell is by endocytosis, but there are also other explanations in discussion which have to be evaluated.

CPPs from Genaxxon bioscience can be used to explore the uptake mechanism or for the uptake of special substances that should be introduced into the cell. CPPs offered by Genaxxon bioscience have been proven to be effective in the uptake process.