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Targeting of the HPV-16 E7 protein by RNA aptamers
Julia Dolores Toscano-Garibay1, María Luisa Benítez-Hess, Luis Marat Alvarez-Salas
1Laboratorio de Medicina Regenerativa, Dirección de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, México, DF, Mexico.
Abstract:
The expression of high-risk human papillomavirus E6 and E7 proteins in most cervical tumors raised a considerable interest in the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of functional oligonucleotides (i.e., DNAzymes, ribozymes, and aptamers) directed against HPV targets. Aptamers are short single-stranded oligonucleotides that specifically recognize a wide variety of molecular targets, including HPV proteins. Here, we describe a protocol for the successful isolation of RNA aptamers directed at the recombinant HPV-16 E7 protein through the application of the SELEX method. Once the nucleic acid sequence of a functional aptamer is determined, large amounts of the oligonucleotide can be produced and modified at low cost and high efficiency. The remarkable affinity and specificity of aptamers for their targets make these molecules the next-generation tool for diagnostics and therapeutics of cervical cancer.
Insights
Researchers developed RNA aptamers targeting the human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 protein for cervical cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. These aptamers offer a promising next-generation tool due to their high affinity and specificity.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 proteins are expressed in most cervical tumors.
- Functional oligonucleotides like aptamers show potential for HPV diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides with high specificity for molecular targets, including HPV proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a protocol for isolating RNA aptamers against the recombinant HPV-16 E7 protein.
- To highlight the potential of aptamers as next-generation tools for cervical cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) method was employed.
- Isolation of RNA aptamers specifically directed at the recombinant HPV-16 E7 protein.
Main Results:
- A successful protocol for isolating RNA aptamers against HPV-16 E7 protein was established.
- Determined aptamer sequences can be produced and modified cost-effectively and efficiently.
- Isolated aptamers exhibit remarkable affinity and specificity for their target HPV protein.
Conclusions:
- RNA aptamers targeting HPV-16 E7 protein are effectively isolated using the SELEX method.
- Aptamers represent a promising next-generation molecular tool for cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- The high affinity and specificity of aptamers support their application in clinical settings.
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