Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates: Mechanisms, Sequences, and Design Rules

Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates

Introduction

Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates are sophisticated chimeric macromolecules developed to address the significant challenge of poor cellular uptake associated with naked nucleic acid therapeutics. Although antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), and peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) demonstrate remarkable sequence specificity for gene silencing and splice-switching applications, their relatively large molecular size and hydrophilic nature severely restrict passive diffusion through lipid bilayer membranes. By covalently attaching these nucleic acid therapeutics to specially designed short peptide sequences known as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), researchers can exploit naturally occurring cellular transport mechanisms to facilitate the efficient delivery of therapeutic cargo into the cytoplasm or nucleus. This comprehensive guide provides researchers and biopharmaceutical developers with an in-depth overview of the molecular mechanisms, advanced sequence designs, and rigorous chemical engineering principles that govern the successful development and clinical translation of these conjugated therapeutic systems.

To understand the fundamental therapeutic pathways of these chimeric molecules, read our complete guide on peptide oligonucleotide conjugates mechanism of action.

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Mechanisms of Internalization and Endosomal Escape in Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates

The cellular uptake of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates occurs through a coordinated sequence of events involving electrostatic interaction with the plasma membrane, vesicle-mediated endocytosis, and subsequent disruption of the endosomal membrane. For these conjugates to produce a therapeutic effect, they must not only gain entry into the target cell but also efficiently escape the endolysosomal compartment before enzymatic degradation or irreversible intracellular sequestration occurs.

Initial Membrane Binding and Cellular Uptake

The uptake process begins with the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged amino acid residues present in the CPP and the negatively charged constituents of the cellular membrane. Cationic peptides, particularly those enriched with arginine residues, utilize guanidinium functional groups to establish stable bidentate hydrogen bonds with the sulfate and carboxylate groups of heparan sulfate proteoglycans located on the plasma membrane. This interaction concentrates the conjugates at the cell surface while simultaneously promoting membrane curvature, thereby initiating several energy-dependent endocytic pathways.

The predominant route of cellular entry depends on several variables, including the structural characteristics of the peptide, the size of the conjugated oligonucleotide cargo, and the type of target cell involved. Internalization most commonly proceeds through macropinocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, or clathrin-mediated endocytosis. For example, mechanistic investigations involving Pip6a-PMO conjugates have demonstrated that uptake in skeletal muscle cells primarily occurs through caveolae-mediated endocytosis, whereas internalization within primary cardiomyocytes predominantly relies on clathrin-mediated pathways.

Discover how these internalization pathways are leveraged during early drug development by reviewing our peptide oligonucleotide conjugates preclinical services.

The Endosomal Escape Bottleneck

Following internalization, the conjugate becomes enclosed within an early endosome. Escaping this membrane-bound compartment represents the principal biochemical obstacle in oligonucleotide delivery because failure to escape results in trafficking to lysosomes, where the therapeutic cargo is ultimately degraded. Successful endosomal escape depends largely on the structural characteristics of the CPP. As the endosome matures and its internal pH decreases, amphipathic and hydrophobic regions within the peptide undergo conformational changes that facilitate membrane interaction.

Hydrophobic core regions and strategically incorporated non-natural amino acid spacers directly interact with the endosomal lipid bilayer, promoting the formation of distinct lipid domains that subsequently bud into smaller vesicular structures. These newly formed vesicles are inherently unstable and eventually collapse into amorphous lipid-peptide aggregates, disrupting the integrity of the endosomal membrane and releasing the intact oligonucleotide into the cytosol. In experimental models where natural endosomal escape proves inadequate, researchers frequently employ photochemical internalization (PCI). This approach involves the co-administration of a photosensitizer that, following light activation, generates reactive oxygen species, specifically singlet oxygen, which oxidize and destabilize the endosomal membrane, thereby facilitating the release of the therapeutic cargo.

Delve into the specific biochemical hurdles of cellular delivery in our technical breakdown on challenges in peptide oligonucleotide conjugates.

Structural Sequences: Evolution of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates

The amino acid sequences incorporated into Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates have undergone substantial evolution, progressing from naturally occurring viral peptide domains to highly optimized synthetic chimeric constructs specifically engineered to enhance nuclear delivery while minimizing systemic toxicity. Although first-generation peptides successfully demonstrated the feasibility of intracellular macromolecular delivery, achieving the pharmacokinetic and bioavailability profiles necessary for systemic neuromuscular therapies has required the development of increasingly sophisticated and proprietary peptide architectures.

Peptide ClassSequence NameAmino Acid SequenceStructural Features and Cargo Mechanisms
Natural / ViralTat (48-60)GRKKRRQRRRPPQDerived from HIV-1; highly cationic but susceptible to extensive endosomal entrapment.
Natural / AmphipathicPenetratin (pAntp)RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKDerived from Drosophila Antennapedia; promotes efficient cellular uptake but demonstrates considerable toxicity at therapeutic concentrations.
Synthetic PolycationicR6GRRRRRRGArginine homopolymer employed in the clinical-stage compound vesleteplirsen (SRP-5051) to improve PMO delivery into skeletal muscle tissue.
Engineered AmphipathicBpepRXRRBRRXRRBRAlternates arginine residues with non-natural 6-aminohexanoic acid (X) and β-alanine (B) to enhance endosomal escape efficiency.
Chimeric (Pip Series)Pip6aRXRRBRRXRYQFLIRXRBRXRBContains a central hydrophobic YQFLI core flanked by cationic domains, providing exceptional penetration into both cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues.
Chimeric (Pip Series)Pip9bRXRRBRXFQILYRXRRBRBAn advanced Pip-series construct engineered to preserve potent exon-skipping activity while reducing systemic toxicity.
Cytosolic Extract (ML)Cyto1aR-X-R-R-X-R-F-X-R-XIdentified using machine learning and mass spectrometry; intentionally depleted of arginine residues to reduce toxicity while preserving intracellular delivery efficiency.

Polycationic and Early-Generation Peptides

The earliest advances in CPP research were centered on polycationic peptide sequences composed primarily of positively charged amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and histidine. The HIV-1 Tat peptide, together with synthetic polyarginine peptides such as R₈ and R₁₂, demonstrated that uninterrupted stretches of positive charge were highly effective at binding to negatively charged cellular membranes and promoting intracellular uptake. Nevertheless, these early-generation peptides exhibited significant limitations because they lacked an inherent ability to efficiently escape the endosomal compartment without assistance from endosomolytic agents such as chloroquine. Moreover, peptides containing high densities of arginine residues frequently produced dose-dependent in vivo toxicities, including renal injury and systemic hypomagnesemia, thereby significantly limiting their acceptable therapeutic dosing range.

To evaluate how these structural classes compare to alternative delivery modalities, check out our comparative analysis on peptide vs antibody oligonucleotide conjugates.

Next-Generation Engineered Chimeras

To address the persistent challenge of endosomal entrapment, contemporary peptide engineering has shifted toward incorporating non-natural amino acids together with strategically designed hydrophobic domains. The inclusion of 6-aminohexanoic acid (X) and β-alanine (B) fulfills two important functions. First, these residues increase the conformational flexibility of the peptide backbone, enabling arginine side chains to establish more effective interactions with lipid membranes. Second, they significantly enhance resistance to degradation by endogenous serum proteases, thereby improving the stability of the conjugate during systemic circulation.

Among the most advanced examples of this design strategy is the Pip (PNA/PMO Internalization Peptide) family. These peptides were extensively developed to improve therapeutic delivery for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The Pip6a sequence (RXRRBRRXRYQFLIRXRBRXRB) incorporates a carefully engineered hydrophobic core (YQFLI) positioned between R-X-R-rich cationic regions. This unique molecular architecture enables remarkably efficient delivery into highly restrictive tissues, including skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and the central nervous system (CNS). Compared with conventional polyarginine peptides, Pip6a demonstrates dramatically superior performance in restoring dystrophin expression and extending survival in severe preclinical disease models.

Recent advances in machine learning and high-throughput chromatographic screening technologies are accelerating the discovery of compact, arginine-reduced CPPs with improved therapeutic characteristics. Novel sequences such as P6 and Cyto1a achieve efficient cytosolic delivery by relying on carefully optimized three-dimensional spatial arrangements rather than simply increasing the density of positive charges. This emerging strategy offers the potential to substantially reduce toxicity while maintaining or even improving intracellular delivery efficiency in future oligonucleotide conjugates.

Read our structural breakdown of diverse design modalities in types of peptide oligonucleotide conjugates.

Design Rules and Linker Chemistry for Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates

The chemical linkage connecting the peptide to the oligonucleotide in Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates requires meticulous engineering to achieve an optimal balance between serum stability during systemic circulation and the molecular flexibility necessary for effective target recognition. Linker chemistry ultimately determines whether the therapeutic oligonucleotide remains permanently attached to the CPP or is selectively released after entering the intracellular environment.

Modulating Charge and Steric Hindrance

Attaching a highly hydrophobic or strongly polycationic peptide to an oligonucleotide significantly influences the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting conjugate, including its chromatographic profile, aqueous solubility, and biodistribution. One of the most important design considerations is minimizing steric interference between the relatively bulky CPP and the hybridization region of the oligonucleotide. If the peptide obstructs access to the nucleobases, efficient binding to the target messenger RNA (mRNA) cannot occur, thereby compromising therapeutic activity.

To overcome this challenge, researchers introduce flexible spacer molecules, including short polyethylene glycol (PEG) segments or specifically designed aliphatic carbon linkers, which physically separate the peptide domain from the nucleic acid. This spatial separation preserves the biological functionality of both the RNA-binding sequence and the cell-penetrating domain. In most designs, conjugation is performed at either the 5′ or 3′ terminus of the oligonucleotide, minimizing disruption of the internal nucleotide sequence responsible for target recognition.

Learn about how structural modifications alter in vivo shelf-life and biological degradation in peptide oligonucleotide conjugate stability.

Selection of Conjugation Chemistries

The selection of an appropriate conjugation strategy depends on the intended therapeutic mechanism and the desired intracellular release characteristics of the oligonucleotide payload.

Linker ChemistryBond TypeStability ProfileOptimal Application Context
Maleimide-ThiolThioetherNon-CleavableProvides excellent serum stability and is widely utilized for steric-blocking PMOs that remain functional without intracellular peptide detachment.
Click Chemistry (CuAAC / SPAAC)TriazoleNon-CleavableProduces exceptionally stable bioorthogonal linkages that are well suited for assembling complex, multi-component conjugates under mild reaction conditions.
Disulfide LigationDisulfideCleavable (Redox)Remains stable during circulation but undergoes rapid cleavage within the reducing cytosolic environment, making it ideal when intracellular peptide release is required.
Amide Coupling (NHS/EDC)AmideNon-CleavableForms a highly stable permanent bond that resists enzymatic hydrolysis and is commonly employed when a single, well-defined amine functional group is available.
Enzyme-Sensitive LinkersVariable PeptideCleavable (Enzymatic)Specifically engineered for cleavage by intracellular proteases, such as cathepsins, enabling localized and controlled therapeutic payload release.

For electrically neutral oligonucleotides such as PMOs, non-cleavable thioether and triazole linkages are generally preferred. Because PMOs exert their biological effects through steric blockade rather than by recruiting enzymatic degradation systems such as RNase H, continuous attachment of the CPP does not interfere with therapeutic activity. Moreover, the permanent linkage provides maximum resistance to premature degradation and systemic clearance. In contrast, when delivering molecules such as siRNA or specialized aptamers that require interaction with intracellular protein complexes, reducible disulfide linkers are frequently selected. These bonds undergo cleavage within the reducing cytosolic environment, ensuring efficient release of the active oligonucleotide once inside the target cell.

For a definitive analysis of covalent coupling and bond stability, review our guide to peptide oligonucleotide conjugate linker chemistry.

Advanced Manufacturing of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates

The large-scale commercial production and yield optimization of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates require overcoming significant chemical incompatibilities between peptide synthesis and oligonucleotide synthesis. Manufacturers generally adopt one of two approaches: constructing the complete conjugate sequentially on a single solid support or independently synthesizing each component before joining them through highly selective chemical ligation.

Stepwise Solid-Phase Synthesis Challenges

Sequential solid-phase synthesis involves assembling both the peptide and oligonucleotide consecutively on the same resin support. Although this strategy theoretically eliminates the need to isolate and purify intermediate products, it presents considerable chemical and biochemical challenges. Conventional protecting groups used during solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), including Boc and tBu, require concentrated trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for deprotection. Exposure of oligonucleotides to TFA rapidly induces depurination, resulting in irreversible damage to the nucleic acid sequence.

To avoid this complication, researchers have explored the use of base-labile protecting groups for peptide side chains. However, removing these protecting groups requires prolonged treatment with strong basic reagents such as ammonia, which often leads to cleavage of sensitive peptide bonds while also causing deguanidination of essential arginine residues. Because of these limitations, fully sequential solid-phase synthesis is generally restricted to relatively short peptide sequences that lack chemically sensitive amino acids.

Examine detailed execution steps for synthesis platforms by visiting peptide oligonucleotide conjugate synthesis methods.

Post-Synthetic Conjugation Strategies

The most widely adopted manufacturing strategy is post-synthetic conjugation. In this modular workflow, the peptide and oligonucleotide are synthesized separately using their individually optimized chemistries, followed by independent deprotection and purification. After purification, each fragment is functionalized with complementary bioorthogonal reactive groups, such as an azide incorporated into the peptide and a constrained alkyne attached to the oligonucleotide. These functional groups enable highly selective chemoselective ligation under solution-phase conditions, producing the final conjugate with exceptional precision.

This modular manufacturing approach also enables comprehensive quality control throughout the production process. Analytical methods such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) can be applied at multiple stages to verify product identity and purity. Furthermore, post-synthetic conjugation accommodates the limited solubility often associated with highly hydrophobic and strongly polycationic peptides, allowing them to be dissolved in carefully optimized organic-aqueous solvent systems before ligation. This significantly improves the efficiency of the conjugation reaction and increases the overall yield of the desired 1:1 peptide-oligonucleotide conjugate.

Review the analytical strategies needed to map these complex macromolecular architectures in structural characterization of peptide oligonucleotide conjugates.

Clinical Applications and Therapeutic Translation

The remarkable targeted delivery capabilities of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates have transformed the therapeutic landscape for rare, progressive genetic diseases, particularly those affecting the neuromuscular and central nervous systems. By overcoming the formidable cellular barriers associated with striated muscle and neural tissues, these conjugates have enabled genetic modulation strategies that translate into meaningful and measurable clinical outcomes. Their ability to enhance intracellular delivery has significantly expanded the therapeutic potential of oligonucleotide-based medicines that were previously limited by inadequate tissue penetration.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is caused by frameshift mutations within the dystrophin gene, resulting in the absence of functional dystrophin protein and progressive muscle degeneration. Conventional naked phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), such as eteplirsen, are capable of inducing exon 51 skipping to restore the dystrophin reading frame. However, their clinical utility has been constrained by extremely limited cellular uptake, necessitating frequent administration of high intravenous doses to achieve modest therapeutic effects. Conjugating PMOs with Cell-Penetrating Peptides has fundamentally changed this treatment paradigm by markedly improving intracellular delivery and tissue distribution.

Vesleteplirsen (SRP-5051), a next-generation peptide-PMO conjugate developed by Sarepta Therapeutics, incorporates the R6G polyarginine peptide sequence to facilitate efficient transport of the PMO into muscle tissue. Results from the Phase 2 MOMENTUM clinical trial demonstrated that patients receiving 30 mg/kg of SRP-5051 every four weeks achieved a mean dystrophin expression level of 5.17% together with an average exon skipping rate of 11.11%. These findings represented an approximately 12.2-fold increase in dystrophin expression compared with the conventional weekly administration of naked eteplirsen, highlighting the substantial biological advantage provided by peptide-mediated delivery.

Similarly, PepGen’s Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform employs proprietary peptide technologies, including PGN-EDO51, to further enhance tissue penetration and intracellular uptake. In non-human primate studies, PGN-EDO51 produced exon skipping levels exceeding 70% within critical skeletal muscles and the diaphragm. Furthermore, Phase 1 clinical data demonstrated the highest levels of exon 51 skipping reported in humans following administration of a single therapeutic dose, underscoring the considerable promise of advanced CPP-based delivery platforms.

For insight into safety testing, lot release requirements, and regulatory criteria, view qc testing for peptide oligonucleotide conjugates.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Beyond Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates have shown substantial promise in additional transcript-targeted therapeutic applications. In Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1), expanded mutant CUG repeat sequences sequester the MBNL1 splicing factor within the nucleus, resulting in widespread abnormalities in RNA splicing and the development of myotonia. Systemic administration of Pip6a-PMO-CAG conjugates in preclinical DM1 mouse models successfully targeted these pathogenic nuclear RNA foci, released the sequestered MBNL1 protein, and effectively corrected the underlying splicing abnormalities while reversing the associated myotonic phenotype.

Equally encouraging outcomes have been observed in severe models of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Systemic administration of Pip6a conjugated to a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer targeting ISS-N1 produced robust, body-wide upregulation of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein expression. Importantly, this delivery strategy also enabled efficient transport across the blood-brain barrier into the spinal cord, a major challenge in neurological therapeutics. As a consequence, median survival in severe SMA mouse models increased dramatically from 12 days to 167 days, demonstrating the exceptional capability of advanced Cell-Penetrating Peptide vectors to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides throughout both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system.

Gain insight into the systemic absorption, distribution, and clearance profiles required for clinical translation in peptide oligonucleotide conjugates pharmacokinetics.

Conclusion

The incorporation of Cell-Penetrating Peptides into Oligonucleotide Conjugates represents a major advancement in the field of precision molecular medicine. Through the careful optimization of peptide sequences that balance cationic charge with strategically positioned hydrophobic domains, researchers have successfully overcome longstanding biological challenges associated with poor cellular permeability and endosomal entrapment. The successful progression from conceptual molecular designs to highly effective clinical candidates, exemplified by platforms such as Pip6a, R6G, and proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) technologies, clearly demonstrates that structurally optimized peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates can safely and effectively modulate the genetic basis of disease following systemic administration.

As innovations in linker chemistry, bioorthogonal conjugation strategies, and post-synthetic manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, the flexibility and therapeutic versatility of these macromolecular platforms are expected to expand well beyond rare genetic disorders. Future applications are likely to encompass broader indications in oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and additional areas of precision medicine where targeted intracellular delivery remains a critical therapeutic challenge.

For organizations seeking advanced expertise in the analytical characterization, linker optimization, and scalable synthesis of peptide-oligonucleotide therapeutics, ResolveMass Laboratories Inc. provides specialized scientific services supporting every stage of therapeutic development. To learn more or discuss your project requirements, visit the contact page at https://resolvemass.ca/contact/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do unmodified oligonucleotides struggle to enter cells?

Unmodified oligonucleotides have physicochemical properties that make cellular entry extremely difficult. Their relatively large molecular size, hydrophilic nature, and, in many cases, negative charge prevent them from passing through the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. As a result, they typically require specialized delivery systems, such as Cell-Penetrating Peptides, to achieve effective intracellular transport.

What is the difference between direct translocation and endocytosis for these conjugates?

Direct translocation refers to the movement of a conjugate directly across the plasma membrane without being enclosed in a membrane-bound vesicle. In contrast, endocytosis involves the cell engulfing the conjugate within an endosome after the plasma membrane folds inward. For most peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates, endocytosis is the predominant mechanism of cellular uptake because it efficiently accommodates larger therapeutic molecules.

Why is endosomal escape critical for therapeutic efficacy?

Following endocytosis, peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates become trapped inside endosomes that eventually mature into lysosomes containing degradative enzymes. If the therapeutic molecule remains confined within these compartments, it is likely to be degraded before reaching its intracellular target. Efficient endosomal escape allows the oligonucleotide to enter the cytoplasm or nucleus, where it can exert its intended biological activity.

How do arginine residues facilitate cell penetration?

Arginine residues play a central role in CPP-mediated delivery because their guanidinium groups maintain a strong positive charge under physiological conditions. These groups form stable interactions with negatively charged molecules on the cell surface, including heparan sulfate proteoglycans. This electrostatic attraction promotes membrane binding and initiates the cellular uptake process through endocytic pathways.

Why are non-natural amino acids used in modern CPP designs?

Modern CPPs frequently incorporate non-natural amino acids such as β-alanine and 6-aminohexanoic acid to improve their pharmacological properties. These modifications reduce susceptibility to enzymatic degradation by endogenous proteases, resulting in greater stability within the bloodstream. In addition, they enhance peptide flexibility and contribute to more efficient intracellular delivery while helping reduce premature degradation.

What is the advantage of using a non-cleavable linker in a PMO conjugate?

Non-cleavable linkers are particularly advantageous for PMO conjugates because PMOs function through steric blockade rather than by promoting RNA degradation. Since the therapeutic activity does not depend on separating the peptide from the oligonucleotide, maintaining a permanent linkage provides greater molecular stability during circulation. This approach also reduces the risk of premature dissociation before the conjugate reaches its target tissue.

What are the main manufacturing challenges for these therapeutics?

Manufacturing peptide-oligonucleotide conjugates is technically challenging because peptide synthesis and oligonucleotide synthesis require fundamentally different chemical conditions. Peptide synthesis often utilizes strong acidic reagents, whereas oligonucleotides are highly sensitive to acidic environments and are synthesized using different chemistries. Consequently, both components are typically produced independently before being joined through carefully controlled post-synthetic conjugation techniques.

What specific diseases are currently targeted by these conjugates in clinical trials?

Clinical development of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Oligonucleotide Conjugates is primarily focused on severe genetic neuromuscular disorders. Current therapeutic programs include Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), where exon-skipping strategies restore the dystrophin reading frame, Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1), which targets pathogenic nuclear RNA foci, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), where splice modulation increases functional SMN protein production. These promising approaches continue to demonstrate encouraging results in both preclinical and clinical studies.

Reference:

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  2. Klabenkova K., Fokina A. and Stetsenko D. “Chemistry of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Conjugates: A Review.” Molecules. 2021;26(17):5420. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26175420
  3. Trabulo S., Cardoso A. L., Mano M. and Pedroso de Lima M. C. “Cell-Penetrating Peptides—Mechanisms of Cellular Uptake and Generation of Delivery Systems.” Pharmaceuticals. 2010;3(4):961–993. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3040961
  4. Roberts T. C., Wood M. J. A., and Gait M. J. “Cellular Trafficking Determines the Exon Skipping Activity of Pip6a-PMO in mdx Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Cells.” Nucleic Acids Research. 2014;42(5):3207–3217. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkt1220
  5. Roberts T. C., Wood M. J. A., and Gait M. J. “Cellular Trafficking Determines the Exon Skipping Activity of Pip6a-PMO in mdx Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Cells.” Nucleic Acids Research. 2014;42(5):3207–3221. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkt1220.
  6. Betts C. A., Saleh A. F., Arzumanov A. A., Hammond S. M., Godfrey C., Coursindel T., Gait M. J., and Wood M. J. A. “Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugates of Steric Blocking Oligonucleotides as Therapeutics for Neuromuscular Diseases: From a Historical Perspective to Current Prospects of Treatment.” Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. 2019;29(1):1–12. https://doi.org/10.1089/nat.2018.0759.

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Whether you’re developing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), PMOs, PNAs, or other nucleic acid conjugates, our scientists can help with custom peptide sequence design, linker selection, conjugation strategies, and high-purity synthesis tailored to your project requirements.

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