Pep-1 peptide

Pep-1 peptide is a synthetic, amphipathic cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), also known as a protein transduction domain (PTD), composed of a tryptophan-rich hydrophobic domain and a lysine-rich hydrophilic domain. Its primary function is to facilitate the intracellular delivery of various macromolecules, including proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, into living cells. This internalization typically occurs rapidly and via an endocytosis-independent pathway, allowing the cargo to remain biologically active. While primarily utilized as a research tool for drug delivery and studying intracellular processes, Pep-1 has also demonstrated intrinsic biological activities, such as antichlamydial effects. Variants like Pep-1 (uncapped) have been explored for targeted drug delivery, specifically enhancing nanoparticle uptake by glioma cells through interaction with IL-13Ra2. Another modified version, Pep-1-K, has been designed as an antimicrobial peptide.

Other names

H-Lys-Glu-Thr-Trp-Trp-Glu-Thr-Trp-Trp-Thr-Glu-Trp-Ser-Gln-Pro-Lys-Lys-Lys-Arg-Lys-Val-OHKETWWETWWTEWSQPKKKRKV