Stapling monomeric GCN4 peptides allows for DNA binding and enhanced cellular uptake

The basic DNA recognition region of the GCN4 protein comprising 23 amino acids has been modified to contain two optimally positioned cysteines which have been linked and stapled using crosslinkers of suitable lengths. This results in stapled peptides with a stabilized alpha-helical conformation which allows for DNA binding and concurrent enhancement of cellular uptake.