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Aptamers Targeting Membrane Proteins for Sensor and Diagnostic Applications
Nilufer Kara1, Nooraldeen Ayoub1,2, Huseyin Ilgu2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey.
Abstract:
Many biological processes (physiological or pathological) are relevant to membrane proteins (MPs), which account for almost 30% of the total of human proteins. As such, MPs can serve as predictive molecular biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Indeed, cell surface MPs are an important class of attractive targets of the currently prescribed therapeutic drugs and diagnostic molecules used in disease detection. The oligonucleotides known as aptamers can be selected against a particular target with high affinity and selectivity by iterative rounds of in vitro library evolution, known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX). As an alternative to antibodies, aptamers offer unique features like thermal stability, low-cost, reuse, ease of chemical modification, and compatibility with various detection techniques. Particularly, immobilized-aptamer sensing platforms have been under investigation for diagnostics and have demonstrated significant value compared to other analytical techniques. These "aptasensors" can be classified into several types based on their working principle, which are commonly electrochemical, optical, or mass-sensitive. In this review, we review the studies on aptamer-based MP-sensing technologies for diagnostic applications and have included new methodological variations undertaken in recent years.
Insights
Aptamers offer a stable, cost-effective alternative to antibodies for detecting membrane proteins (MPs). Aptasensors show significant diagnostic value, with ongoing research into new variations for improved disease detection.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Proteomics
Background:
- Membrane proteins (MPs) are crucial in physiological and pathological processes, representing nearly 30% of human proteins.
- Cell surface MPs are key targets for disease diagnostics and therapeutics, serving as predictive biomarkers.
- Traditional diagnostic methods face limitations, driving the need for innovative sensing technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review aptamer-based sensing technologies for membrane protein detection in diagnostic applications.
- To highlight the advantages of aptamers over antibodies, such as stability and cost-effectiveness.
- To discuss recent methodological variations in aptasensor development.
Main Methods:
- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX) for aptamer selection against specific targets.
- Development and classification of immobilized-aptamer sensing platforms (aptasensors).
- Review of aptasensor types including electrochemical, optical, and mass-sensitive platforms.
Main Results:
- Aptamers demonstrate high affinity and selectivity for target molecules, including membrane proteins.
- Immobilized-aptamer sensing platforms show significant diagnostic value compared to other analytical techniques.
- Aptasensors offer advantages like thermal stability, reusability, and ease of chemical modification.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer-based sensing technologies represent a promising approach for disease diagnostics.
- Ongoing research is expanding the utility of aptasensors through methodological innovations.
- Aptasensors provide a valuable alternative for detecting membrane proteins, crucial for various biological processes.
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