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A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
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Aptamers as a novel tool for diagnostics and therapy.
Onat Kadioglu1, Anna Helena Malczyk, Henry Johannes Greten
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
Investigational New Drugs
|February 1, 2015
Summary
Aptamers, short DNA or RNA molecules, offer high specificity for molecular targets. This review covers their preparation and diverse applications in biotechnology, diagnostics, and disease therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides.
- They exhibit high specificity and affinity for target molecules.
- Aptamers offer advantages like low cost and reduced immunogenicity compared to antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the preparation methods of aptamers.
- To provide examples of aptamer applications.
- To highlight aptamers' utility in biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of aptamer preparation techniques.
- Compilation of case studies demonstrating aptamer applications.
- Analysis of aptamer properties and advantages.
Main Results:
- Aptamers can be synthesized efficiently.
- They demonstrate high binding affinity and specificity.
- Numerous applications exist in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers are versatile tools in molecular biology and medicine.
- Their ease of production and low immunogenicity make them attractive alternatives.
- Further development promises expanded use in various fields.

