| title: | Cell penetrating peptides, mecahnism(s) and applications. |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5588 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.6-1.9. Chemistry and Molecular Biology 2.7. Biotechnology, Food and Drink Technology 3. Medical Sciences |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | Estonian Biocentre |
| head of project: | Margus Pooga |
| duration: | 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2006 |
| description: | Translocation of peptides and proteins of a particular class into the cells without the help of membranous proteins seemingly in a cell energy-independent way has been known for a decade. The peptides able to cross the plasma membrane of cells also at low temperature have been named as cell penetrating (permeable) (CPP) for distinguishing these from petides and proteins taken into cells by endocytosis. CPPs have served as efficient tools for delivery of cargo molecules of different size and various character into cell interior. The cell delivered polypeptides have been exploited to inhibite enzymes and modulate signal transduction, polynucletides to regulate the gene expression. In spite of numerous studies and efforts in the field, the mecahnism(s) of cellular translocation of CPPs and driving force for that has remained unclear. The present study aims at investigating the process and mechanism(s) of CPPs' internalisation focusing on questions: Are all classes of CPPs translocating into cells by one common mecahanism? Is the uptake of CPPs dependent on the organisation of lipids in the plasma membrane? What is/are the driving force(s) for cellular translocation and accumulation of CPPs? Is the cellular uptake of CPPs dependent on the membrane potential of cells? Are CPPs modulating the membrane potential by interacting with membrane and upon crossing it? Which cellular processes contribute to the internalisation of CPPs and deliverable cargoes? How are the molecules delivered into cells by CPPs redistributed in the cells? How CPPs penetrate across the cell layers and in multilayer systems? Is it possible to design selective (cell type-, tissue-, cellular organelle specific) CPPs? |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Sulev Kuuse | TU BGMR | H Animal Facil | |
| 2. | Kärt Padari | UT, Inst Z&H | Ph.D. student | |
| 3. | Margus Pooga | Estonian Biocentre | Senior scientist | |
| 4. | Raivo Raid | TU BGZH | Ass. Prof | |