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Updated: May 24, 2026
08:09
Mapping the Binding Site of an Aptamer on ATP Using MicroScale Thermophoresis
Published on: January 7, 2017
Thrombin binding aptamer, more than a simple aptamer: chemically modified derivatives and biomedical applications
Anna Avino1, Carme Fabrega, Maria Tintore
1Institute for Research in Biomedicine, CIBER-BBN Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Edifici Helix, Barcelona, Spain.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|March 2, 2012
Summary
This review explores thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) derivatives for enhanced anticoagulant properties. Modified TBAs also serve as models for studying quadruplex structures and developing analytical tools.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is a G-quadruplex structure with anticoagulant properties.
- TBA's specific binding to thrombin at nanomolar concentrations makes it a target for anticoagulant drug development.
- TBA serves as a model system for understanding quadruplex DNA structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of novel TBA derivatives with improved anticoagulant efficacy.
- To discuss the utility of TBA as a model for studying quadruplex structures.
- To explore the application of TBA-thrombin interactions in analytical tool development.
Main Methods:
- Modification of nucleosides and backbones within guanine tetrads and loops.
- Introduction of pendant groups at the 5' and 3' ends of the aptamer.
- Analysis of structural and folding properties of modified TBAs.
Main Results:
- Modified TBA derivatives demonstrate enhanced anticoagulant properties.
- Structural modifications provide insights into TBA folding and quadruplex stability.
- TBA folding properties are leveraged for the creation of analytical detection systems.
Conclusions:
- TBA derivatives offer promising avenues for novel anticoagulant therapies.
- Modified aptamers are valuable tools for fundamental quadruplex structure research.
- The TBA-thrombin system has significant potential in diagnostic and analytical applications.
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