TAT-liposomes: a novel intracellular drug carrier

Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2003 Apr;4(2):133-40. doi: 10.2174/1389203033487298.

Abstract

TAT peptide was attached to the surface of plain and PEGylated liposomes. These TAT peptide-modified liposomes have been shown to translocate into a variety of normal and cancer cells if a non-hindered interaction between the cell surface and liposome-attached TAT peptide was made possible. TAT peptide-liposomes translocated into cells remain intact within first few hours as proved by a co-localization of fluorescent markers entrapped inside liposomes and incorporated into the liposomal membrane. After 2 hours liposomes had slowly migrating towards cell nuclei. Liposomes had completely disintegrated with their inner marker released by approximately 9 hours. TAT peptide-liposomes were made slightly cationic by adding up to 10 mol %. of a cationic lipid (DOTAP). These slightly cationic liposomes were non-toxic towards cells, formed firm complexes with DNA (plasmid encoding for the formation of the Green Fluorescent Protein), and efficiently transfected a variety of cells. TAT peptide-liposomes can be considered as promising carriers for the non-endocytotic intracellular delivery of drugs and DNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cations
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Gene Products, tat / genetics
  • Gene Products, tat / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Liposomes*
  • Models, Biological
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cations
  • Drug Carriers
  • Gene Products, tat
  • Liposomes
  • Peptides
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • DNA