KALA, an amphiphilic peptide, adopts an α-helical conformation under physiological pH conditions. It functions as a fusogenic peptide, modifying the liposomal membrane that encapsulates plasmid DNA, thereby facilitating liver targeting and DNA transfection through galactose receptors.
The a-helix of the amphipathic peptide antibiotic LAH4 (KKALLALALHHLAHLALHLALALKKA-NH2) strongly interacts with phospholipid membranes, demonstrating in vitro transfection efficiencies comparable to those of commercially available reagents.