Delivery of phosphoinositide polyphosphates into cells

摘要

A method for facilitating delivery of a phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate or derivative thereof into a eukaryotic cell is disclosed. The method includes forming a complex of the phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate or derivative with a polyamine, and then contacting the cell with the complex. Preferred polyamines include aminoglycosides, dendrimeric polyamines, and histones. Compositions of matter for use in the method are also described. A method for screening compounds for minimum toxicity to eukaryotic cells and maximum toxicity to bacterial cells is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring calcium flux in a cell.