Enhanced gene expression by a novel designed leucine zipper endosomolytic peptide

An endosomal trap is a major barrier in gene therapy. We have designed an endosomolytic peptide based on the leucine zipper sequence and characterized it both structurally functionally. The results illustrated that (LZEP) exhibited appreciable hemolysis of human red blood cells (hRBCs) at pH 5.0, but negligible 7.4. Calcein release experiment indicated only 5.0 not 7.4, LZEP was able to permeabilize hRBCs. revealed significant self-assembly as well induced α-helical structure 5.0. Unlike failed self-assemble showed random coil Transfection data depicted lipoplexes modified with resulted significantly higher expression compared without LZEP. Interestingly, transfection efficacy lipid nanoparticles reached levels Lipofectamine 2000 (LF 2000), any cellular toxicity observed by MTT assay. suggest novel approach for designing peptides employing simultaneously could be utilized enhancing delivery into mammalian cells.