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Center for Nonlinear Studies |
Arginine-rich molecules, such as cell-penetrating peptides, efficiently enter into living cells in a non-endocytotic energy-independent manner transporting a wide range of cargoes, including drugs and biomarkers. The mechanism by which these highly cationic molecules efficiently cross the hydrophobic barrier imposed by the plasma membrane has remained as a fundamental open question. I will present a central mechanism based on a combination of computational, in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence that reveals an efficient energy-independent cellular uptake mechanism for arginine-rich molecules. I will show how to apply these principles, which appear to be universal across cells from different species and kingdoms, to design, visualize and deliver antibodies, drugs and biomarkers into living cells and organisms.
Host: Chris Neale