A Class of Human Proteins that Deliver Functional Proteins into Mammalian Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

SummaryWe discovered a class of naturally occurring human proteins with unusually high net positive charge that can potently deliver proteins in functional form into mammalian cells both in vitro and also in murine retina, pancreas, and white adipose tissues in vivo. These findings represent diverse macromolecule delivery agents for in vivo applications, and also raise the possibility that some of these human proteins may penetrate cells as part of their native biological functions.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (203 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Human proteins with unusually high net positive charge potently penetrate mammalian cells
► Naturally supercharged human proteins deliver fused protein in functional form to mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo in adult mice
► Naturally supercharged human proteins provide a diverse new class of nonviral vectors for the delivery of macromolecular cargo into mammalian cells