Transmembrane proteins could enhance translocation across cellular membranes

Efficient translocation of specific molecules across cell plasma membrane is crucial for cell viability and drug delivery. However, it remains elusive what molecular properties are necessary for spontaneous translocation and how to transport molecules without such properties. Here, we investigated the effect of transmembrane proteins on the translocation of amphiphilic peptides. Using two different coarse grained models, we consistently demonstrate that transmembrane proteins with a hydrophilic patch enhance the translocation of amphiphilic peptides by their stabilization in the membrane.