Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is found primarily on endothelial
cells of large vessels. EPCR translocates from the plasma membrane surface to the
nucleus. Molecules which bind to EPCR can be carried from the plasma membrane surface
to the nucleus. These molecules include antibodies to EPCR and activated protein
C. Protein C, which also binds to EPCR, can be internalized by endothelial cells,
but does not enter the nucleus. Thus, EPCR translocation from the plasma membrane
to the nucleus provides a means of delivering nucleic acid such as DNA, proteins
such as transcription factors, diagnostic agents or other types of drugs to the
nucleus of endothelial cells, particularly those on large blood vessels. Conjugates
of the materials to be delivered to the nucleus can be formed by ionic or covalent
coupling. For example, proteins, including fusion proteins, can be directly conjugated
to an anti-EPCR monoclonal antibody. Covalent attachment of positively charged
polymers, such as polylysine, to an anti-EPCR antibody allows nucleic acid to bind
by ionic charges. Steptavidin and biotin can also be used to conjugate molecules
to anti-EPCR antibodies. These conjugated antibodies are transported to the nucleus
by EPCR. Eamples demonstrate selective transport to the nucleus which is mediated
by EPCR. Molecules transported include activated protein C, antibodies to EPCR,
and steptavidin-biotin conjugates. Modification of anti-EPCR monoclonal antibodies
by covalently coupling to polylysine allows binding of an expression vector to
the modified antibody and translocation to the nucleus.