Penetratin
Drug Delivery / Research ToolAlso known as: Antennapedia Peptide, pAntp(43-58), RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK
Cell-Penetrating PeptidesResearch phase: Preclinical (delivery vehicle)Regulatory: Not approved as drug. Research tool for intracellular delivery.
Mechanism
Penetratin is a cell-penetrating peptide derived from the Drosophila fruit fly Antennapedia protein. It was one of the first CPPs discovered and is widely used for intracellular drug delivery.
Technical detail
Penetratin is a 16-amino acid peptide derived from the third helix of the Antennapedia homeodomain (residues 43-58). It translocates across membranes via a combination of direct penetration and endocytosis, depending on concentration and membrane composition. Contains both cationic and hydrophobic residues critical for membrane interaction.