To
investigate the structure-cellular penetration relationship
of guanidinium-rich transporters (GRTs), we previously designed PGua4, a five-amino acid peptoid containing a conformationally
restricted pattern of eight guanidines, which showed high cell-penetrating
abilities and low cell toxicity. Herein, we characterized the cellular
uptake selectivity, internalization pathway, and intracellular distribution
of PGua4, as well as its capacity to deliver cargo. PGua4 exhibits higher penetration efficiency in HeLa cells than
in six other cell lines (A549, Caco-2, fibroblast, HEK293, Mia-PaCa2,
and MCF7) and is mainly internalized by clathrin-mediated endocytosis
and macropinocytosis. Confocal microscopy showed that it remained
trapped in endosomes at low concentrations but induced pH-dependent
endosomal membrane destabilization at concentrations ≥10 μM,
allowing its diffusion into the cytoplasm. Importantly, PGua4 significantly enhanced macropinocytosis and the cellular uptake
and cytosolic delivery of large IgGs following noncovalent complexation.
Therefore, in addition to its peptoid nature conferring high resistance
to proteolysis, PGua4 presents characteristics of a promising
tool for IgG delivery and therapeutic applications.