Selection of DNA aptamers that recognize α-synuclein oligomers using a competitive screening method

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) oligomers are implicated in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
• Targeting α-syn oligomers is key for developing diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify DNA aptamers that specifically bind to soluble α-syn oligomers.
• To explore the potential of these aptamers as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Main Methods:

• Competitive screening using aptamer blotting.
• Selection of DNA aptamers against α-syn oligomers.

Main Results:

• Eight DNA aptamers were identified that specifically bind to α-syn oligomers.
• These aptamers also demonstrated binding to amyloid-beta oligomers, suggesting a common oligomeric structure.
• The identified aptamers show potential for detecting neurodegenerative disease markers.

Conclusions:

• DNA aptamers can be selected to specifically target α-syn oligomers.
• The shared binding to amyloid-beta oligomers supports a common structural hypothesis for amyloid oligomers.
• Oligomer-binding aptamers represent promising tools for neurodegenerative disease research and development.