Design of Targeted Toxins with Enhanced Membrane Translocation

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of this project is the quantitative analysis of receptor-mediated cytotoxin trafficking dynamics in order to develop a highly selective method for treating diseases by targeted drug delivery. The project outlines a plan for quantitatively assessing the effect of targeting molecules on the transport of toxins to the interior of animal cells. This project continues the general theme of using peptides to modify cellular processing of immunotoxins. Specifically, using endocytosis to import drugs in tandem with endosomal membrane-disrupting peptides is proposed as a means for augmenting the delivery of a therapeutic to its intracellular target (e.g. ribosomes).