Selection of DNA Aptamers That Promote Neurite Outgrowth in Human iPSC-Derived Sensory Neuron Organoid Cultures

Sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia transmit sensory signals from the periphery to the central nervous system. Induced pluripotent stem cell derived models of sensory neurons and dorsal root ganglia are among the most advanced available tools for the study of sensory neuron activity and development in human genetic backgrounds. However, few available reagents modify sensory neuron growth with disease or other model-relevant outcomes. Small molecules, peptides, or oligonucleotides that predictably alter sensory neuron behavior in these contexts would be valuable tools with potentially wide-ranging application. Here we describe the selection and characterization of DNA aptamers that specifically interact with human sensory neurons. Several selected aptamers increase neurite outgrowth from sensory neuron organoid cultures after single-dose treatments.