Abstract

We here describe a new strategy for the delivery of oligonucleotides to cells that is based on the use of a short peptide containing three functional units: a membrane-penetrating segment, a DNA-binding domain and a cell-localization sequence. The designed vector binds strongly to oligonucleotides and has membrane-perturbing abilities in vitro. This type of multi-functional device may be a powerful tool to achieve efficient delivery of genetic drugs in vivo.

Keywords: antisense, oligonucleotides, drug-delivery, circular dichroism, fluorescence, liposomes, carboxyfluorescein, peptide device, genetic drug delivery