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Current Perspectives on Aptamers as Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Agents
Prabir Kumar Kulabhusan1, Babar Hussain2, Meral Yüce3
1Department of Biotechnology, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur 768001, India.
Pharmaceutics
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Aptamers, synthetic DNA/RNA molecules, offer high specificity for diagnostics and therapeutics. Despite their potential, challenges remain in clinical translation and understanding their behavior in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Background:
- Aptamers are synthetic single-stranded DNA or RNA selected via SELEX.
- They exhibit high specificity, affinity, low immunogenicity, and ease of synthesis.
- Aptamers serve as alternatives to antibodies in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current diagnostic and theranostic applications of aptamers.
- To discuss challenges in aptamer clinical translation and future directions.
- To highlight aptamer conjugates in diagnostics and therapeutic aptamers in clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- In vitro selection and iteration (SELEX) for aptamer discovery.
- Chemical stabilization and modification for enhanced therapeutic properties.
- Review of existing literature on aptamer applications and clinical studies.
Main Results:
- Aptamers show potential in detecting biomarkers, pathogens, and pollutants.
- Engineered aptamers demonstrate improved serum half-life and shelf life.
- Numerous aptamers and aptamer conjugates have been developed, with some reaching the market.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers are versatile tools for diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Further research is needed in nucleic acid chemistry, target interaction, and pharmacokinetics for clinical success.
- Overcoming challenges in clinical translation is crucial for broader aptamer adoption.
