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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
Novel Aptamers Selected on Living Cells for Specific Recognition of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Simona Camorani1, Ilaria Granata2, Francesca Collina3
1Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a high heterogeneous group of tumors with a distinctly aggressive nature and high rates of relapse. So far, the lack of any known targetable proteins has not allowed a specific anti-tumor treatment. Therefore, the identification of novel agents for specific TNBC targeting and treatment is desperately needed. Here, by integrating cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) for the specific recognition of TNBC cells with high-throughput sequencing technology, we identified a panel of 2'-fluoropyrimidine-RNA aptamers binding to TNBC cells and their cisplatin- and doxorubicin-resistant derivatives at low nanomolar affinity. These aptamers distinguish TNBC cells from both non-malignant and non-TNBC breast cancer cells and are able to differentiate TNBC histological specimens. Importantly, they inhibit TNBC cell capacity of growing in vitro as mammospheres, indicating they could also act as anti-tumor agents. Therefore, our newly identified aptamers are a valuable tool for selectively dealing with TNBC.
Insights
Researchers developed novel RNA aptamers that specifically target triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, even drug-resistant ones. These aptamers show potential as anti-tumor agents, offering a new avenue for TNBC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and heterogeneous.
- Lack of targetable proteins limits specific anti-TNBC treatments.
- Novel therapeutic agents for TNBC are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel agents for specific TNBC targeting and treatment.
- To develop aptamers that selectively bind to TNBC cells.
Main Methods:
- Integrated cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) with high-throughput sequencing.
- Identified 2'-fluoropyrimidine-RNA aptamers targeting TNBC cells.
- Assessed aptamer binding affinity and specificity.
Main Results:
- A panel of RNA aptamers with low nanomolar binding affinity to TNBC cells was identified.
- Aptamers demonstrated specificity for TNBC cells over non-malignant and non-TNBC cells.
- Aptamers inhibited TNBC cell growth in vitro (mammosphere assay), indicating anti-tumor potential.
- Aptamers could differentiate TNBC histological specimens.
Conclusions:
- Newly identified aptamers are valuable tools for selective TNBC targeting.
- These aptamers show promise as novel anti-tumor agents for TNBC.
- The findings pave the way for developing targeted therapies for TNBC.
