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Aptamers Versus Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): A New Battle against Ovarian Cancer
Yachana Mishra1, Aditi Chattaraj1, Vijay Mishra2
1School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the diseases that causes a high mortality as it involves unregulated and abnormal cell growth proliferation that can manifest in any body region. One of the typical ovarian cancer symptoms is damage to the female reproductive system. The death rate can be reduced through early detection of the ovarian cancer. Promising probes that can detect ovarian cancer are suitable aptamers. Aptamers, i.e., so-called chemical antibodies, have a strong affinity for the target biomarker and can typically be identified starting from a random library of oligonucleotides. Compared with other probes, ovarian cancer targeting using aptamers has demonstrated superior detection effectiveness. Various aptamers have been selected to detect the ovarian tumor biomarker, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The present review highlights the development of particular aptamers that target VEGF and detect ovarian cancer at its earliest stages. The therapeutic efficacy of aptamers in ovarian cancer treatment is also discussed.
Insights
Early detection of ovarian cancer using aptamers, which are highly specific DNA or RNA molecules, can significantly reduce mortality rates. These aptamers target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) biomarker for effective diagnosis and potential treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
- Early detection is crucial for reducing mortality rates associated with ovarian cancer.
- Aptamers, or "chemical antibodies," offer a promising approach for sensitive biomarker detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of aptamers specifically designed to target ovarian cancer biomarkers.
- To highlight aptamers that detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for early ovarian cancer diagnosis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of aptamers in ovarian cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Selection of aptamers from random oligonucleotide libraries based on their affinity for target biomarkers.
- Utilizing aptamers as probes for the detection of ovarian cancer.
- Reviewing literature on aptamer development and application in ovarian cancer research.
Main Results:
- Aptamers demonstrate superior detection effectiveness for ovarian cancer compared to other probes.
- Specific aptamers targeting VEGF have been successfully developed and selected.
- These VEGF-targeting aptamers enable early-stage detection of ovarian cancer.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers are highly effective tools for the early detection of ovarian cancer by targeting biomarkers like VEGF.
- The development of targeted aptamers holds significant promise for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into aptamer-based therapeutics could lead to novel ovarian cancer treatment strategies.
