Mechanisms of Peptide Amphiphile Internalization by SJSA-1 Cells in Vitro

作者：Missirlis Dimitris^*; Khant Htet; Tirrell Matthew

来源：Biochemistry, 2009, 48(15): 3304-3314.

DOI：10.1021/bi802356k

Self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles into nanostructures makes them attractive for a variety of applications in drug and peptide delivery. We here report on the interactions of micelles composed of a palmitoylated, pro-apoptotic peptide derived from p53 tumor suppressor protein with a human cancer cell line. Characterization of self-assembly in aqueous buffered solutions revealed formation of elongated rod-like micelles above a critical micelle concentration. Our results however demonstrate that monomers instead of micelles are internalized, a finding that correlates with the dynamic nature of the assemblies and the noncovalent interactions that hold them together. Internalization is shown to occur via adsorption-mediated, energy-dependent pathways, resulting in accumulation of the material in endocytic vesicles. We conclude that palmitoylation of peptides is an efficient way to increase peptide permeability inside SJSA-1 cells and that increased micelle stability would be required for intact micelle internalization.

• 出版日期2009-4-21