Mechanisms of peptide amphiphile internalization by SJSA-1 cells in vitro.

ABSTRACT: 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 materia

SUBMITTER: Missirlis D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2713106 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature