DNA Aptamers for the Malignant Transformation Marker CD24.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) is a cell surface glycoprotein found on hematopoietic and solid tumor cells.
• CD24's role in signaling pathways and neural development is not fully understood, but its production correlates with poor cancer prognosis.
• Antibody-based targeting of CD24 can inhibit cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To select CD24-specific DNA aptamers as potential alternatives to antibodies.
• To gain insights into CD24's role and interaction partners.
• To explore aptamer applications in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) was employed to select DNA aptamers.
• A cell-SELEX approach using HT-29 cells and CD24 knockdown HT-29 cells was utilized.
• Flow cytometry was used to determine dissociation constants of selected aptamers.

Main Results:

• Six CD24-specific DNA aptamers were successfully selected using the cell-SELEX method.
• The selected aptamers exhibited dissociation constants in the nanomolar range (18-709 nM).
• The study identified promising aptamers for CD24 interaction.

Conclusions:

• Selected DNA aptamers can serve as diagnostic tools for tracking cancer progression.
• These aptamers hold therapeutic potential for inhibiting signaling pathways involved in metastasis.
• DNA aptamers offer a viable alternative to antibodies for targeting CD24.