Different roles of cell surface and exogenous glycosaminoglycans in controlling gene delivery by arginine-rich peptides with varied distribution of arginines

► Analyzing role of glycosaminoglycans in gene delivery is crucial for designing efficient carriers. ► DNA delivery by arginine-rich peptides does not require cell surface glycosaminoglycans. ► Contiguous arginines show maximum stability in presence of exogenous glycosaminoglycans. ► Distribution of arginines controls DNA delivery with exogenous glycosaminoglycans.