A set of GnRH analogues containing the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of the SV-40 virus was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and chemical ligation techniques. Selective chemical ligation was achieved through hydrazone formation upon the interaction of NLS hydrazide and GnRH analogue modified with pyruvic acid. The efficiency of the synthesized compounds was demonstrated in experiments on transfection of various human cancer cell lines with reporter luciferase and β-galactosidase genes, as well as suicide thymidine kinase gene of HSV-1. Selectivity of the peptide-DNA complex effect on cancer cells is achieved as a result of its penetration through the cell membrane via GnRH receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)22-29
Number of pages8
JournalRussian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

    Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

    Research areas

  • Antitumor activity, GnRH, Nuclear localization signal, Suicide gene therapy, Targeted gene delivery

ID: 86146771