Selection of RNA aptamers specific to active prostate-specific antigen

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for prostate cancer.
• Developing highly specific agents targeting active PSA is crucial for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize RNA aptamers with high specificity for active prostate specific antigen (PSA).
• To develop and validate novel counter-SELEX methods for aptamer selection against PSA.

Main Methods:

• Counter-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) procedure utilizing recombinant active PSA.
• Two distinct counter-SELEX strategies were employed: one with inactive proPSA and another with GST-tagged protein for pre-clearance.
• Real-time PCR and gel retardation assays were used to validate aptamer binding specificity.

Main Results:

• Identical RNA aptamers were successfully isolated using both counter-SELEX methods after 9 selection cycles.
• Selected aptamers demonstrated specific binding affinity for active PSA.
• No significant binding was observed for GST or inactive proPSA, confirming aptamer specificity.

Conclusions:

• The developed RNA aptamers exhibit high specificity for active PSA.
• These aptamers hold significant potential for application as diagnostic, imaging, or therapeutic agents in prostate cancer management.