Use of delivery technologies to modulate protein kinase activity

Abstract

Abstract Protein kinases are proteins that can chemically incorporate substrate proteins with phosphate groups. They play important roles in regulating different biological mechanisms, ranging from energy metabolism to cell cycle progression. As the synthesis and activity of proteins in the body are largely governed by gene expression in cells, modulation of the activity of protein kinases may thus be achieved simply by using genetic manipulation. In the last two chapters, we have discussed how genetic manipulation can be exercised by using small interfering RNA and microRNA. In this chapter, by taking protein kinases as an example, we will illustrate how manipulation of biological processes can be achieved at the protein level. Apart from delineating the roles played by protein kinases in aging, we will introduce different technologies for protein delivery, and will review recent advances in the design of stimuli-responsive polymeric systems for precise control of protein release. Finally, we will present how cell-penetrating peptides can be used for direct modification of proteins to enhance the delivery efficiency.