Versatile nuclear localization signal-based oligopeptide as a gene vector.

To develop a versatile nuclear-targeted gene vector, nuclear localization signal (NLS) oligopeptides combining cysteine (C), histidine (H), and stearic acid (STR) were investigated in this study. The original SV40 sequence (SV40: Pro-Lys-Lys-Lys-Arg-Lys-Val) was selected as the NLS sequence, and physical characterizations of various NLS-based oligopeptides (CSV40C, STR-CSV40C, and STR-CH2SV40H2C), including mean diameter, zeta-potential, complex condensation, and decondensation, were evaluated. In addition, cellular and nuclear uptake of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and gene expression in COS7 and dendritic cells (JAWS II) were determined.

A novel, bio-reducible gene vector containing arginine and histidine enhances gene transfection and expression of plasmid DNA.

We have engineered a novel, non-viral, multifunctional gene vector (STR-CH(2)R(4)H(2)C) that contained stearoyl (STR) and a block peptide consisting of Cys (C), His (H), and Arg (R). STR-CH(2)R(4)H(2)C can form a stable nano-complex with plasmid DNA (pDNA) based on electronic interactions and disulfide cross linkages. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of STR-CH(2)R(4)H(2)C as a gene vector.

Disulfide crosslinked stearoyl carrier peptides containing arginine and histidine enhance siRNA uptake and gene silencing.

The siRNA has been expected to apply for several diseases such as cancer since siRNA specifically silences the disease-associated genes. However, effective gene carriers should be developed to overcome the low siRNA stability in vivo, form stable complexes and facilitate intracellular uptake of siRNA. In this study, to develop a safe and efficient siRNA carrier, stearoyl (STR) peptides with Cys (C), Arg (R), and His (H) residues that can form disulfide cross linkages via Cys (C) were synthesized, and their suitability as siRNA carriers was evaluated.

Development of cell-penetrating peptide-modified MPEG-PCL diblock copolymeric nanoparticles for systemic gene delivery.

To develop a safe and efficient systemic non-viral gene vector, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) diblock copolymers conjugated with a Tat analog through the ester or disulfide linkage were synthesized and their suitability as a systemic non-viral gene carrier evaluated. The physicochemical properties of the MPEG-PCL diblock copolymers were determined by GPC, (1)H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The particle sizes and in vitro (COS7 and S-180 cells) transfection efficiencies and cytotoxicity were evaluated.

Prevention of bone loss in ovariectomized rats by pulsatile transdermal iontophoretic administration of human PTH(1-34).

Serum human parathyroid hormone (1-34)[hPTH(1-34)] levels and the anabolic effect of hPTH(1-34) were compared after administration using multiple pulses of iontophoresis or subcutaneous (sc) intermittent injections to ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague Dawley rats. Triple-pulse iontophoretic administration of hPTH(1-34) (doses: 40-400 microg/patch), achieved by repeated 30-min applications of a 0.1 mA/cm(2) current separated by 45-min rest intervals, produced three sharp peaks in the serum hPTH(1-34) level in response to application of the current.