Virus-inspired approach to nonviral gene delivery vehicles.

The basic TAT peptide, responsible for translocation of the HIV-TAT protein, has been conjugated to a variety of artificial nanoscopic materials to transport them across the cellular membrane. However, attempts to translocate genes using the TAT-peptide had met with limited success. We hypothesized that the cationic nature of the peptide does not allow for displaying these peptides on the surface of the polyplex. To circumvent this potential issue, we have developed a new molecular design strategy where the TAT-peptide can be effectively displayed on the surface of the polyplex, thus enhancing gene expression.