RNA plasticity and selectivity applicable to therapeutics and novel biosensor development

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Aptamers are short, single-stranded nucleic acids selected for high affinity to target molecules.
• They function as nucleic acid analogs to antibodies, offering potential advantages.
• Their unique characteristics, distinct from antibodies, are key to their therapeutic and diagnostic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent achievements in aptamer development against protein targets.
• To highlight the crucial role of RNA's conformational plasticity and selectivity in aptamer function.
• To underscore the significance of these features for aptamer specificity and affinity.

Main Methods:

• In vitro selection of aptamers from oligonucleotide libraries.
• Development of aptamer programs targeting basic and therapeutic protein targets.
• Analysis of aptamer-protein interactions, focusing on structural and binding characteristics.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful selection of high-affinity aptamers against various protein targets.
• Observed remarkable conformational plasticity and selectivity in RNA aptamers.
• Identified these RNA properties as critical determinants of aptamer specificity and affinity.

Conclusions:

• RNA aptamers possess unique conformational flexibility and selectivity.
• These intrinsic RNA characteristics are fundamental to achieving high specificity and affinity.
• Further research into RNA conformational dynamics can unlock greater aptamer potential.