Related Experiment Videos
Aptamers as therapeutic and diagnostic agents
1Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309-0347, USA. edwardnbrody@compuserve.com
Journal of Biotechnology
|August 16, 2000
Summary
Modified aptamers, developed through SELEX, can target disease-associated proteins. These aptamers, when stabilized and conjugated, show therapeutic potential and enable novel diagnostic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Aptamers are oligonucleotide molecules generated via SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment).
- Aptamers can be engineered to bind disease-associated proteins, serving as potential therapeutic antagonists.
- Current limitations include nuclease susceptibility and rapid clearance from circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore modifications for enhancing aptamer stability and circulation time.
- To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of modified aptamers in disease models.
- To introduce novel diagnostic applications using aptamer arrays.
Main Methods:
- Oligonucleotide modifications (e.g., 2'F, 2'NH2) to resist serum nucleases.
- Conjugation of aptamers to high molecular weight vehicles to prolong circulation.
- Development of aptamer arrays for diagnostic purposes, utilizing photo-cross-linkable aptamers.
Main Results:
- Modified aptamers exhibit increased resistance to nucleases and extended half-life in blood.
- Conjugated aptamers demonstrate inhibition of target protein functions in animal models.
- Automated SELEX and photo-cross-linking facilitate rapid aptamer array development for diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer modifications and conjugation are crucial for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
- Engineered aptamers offer a promising platform for developing novel treatments and diagnostic tools.
- Automated SELEX and aptamer arrays represent significant advancements in aptamer technology.