β-homolysine oligomers:: A new class of Trojan carriers

We describe the design, synthesis and cell-membrane translocation properties of a series of beta-peptides with the general sequence fluorescein-Adoa-(beta-homolysine)(n)-NH2, n = 5-8 and Adoa = 8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid. These beta-peptides are able to cross the cytoplasmic membrane and accumulate in the nucleus of mammalian cells. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.