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A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
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Advances in aptamer technology for target-based drug discovery
Yingxian Cui1, Yifan Chen1, Youbo Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Aptamer therapeutics, DNA or RNA molecules, offer precise targeting for diseases. Advances in selection methods accelerate the discovery of these promising drug candidates for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides with high specificity and affinity for molecular targets.
- They offer significant advantages for therapeutic applications compared to traditional drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of aptamer technology.
- To highlight recent advancements in aptamer selection and functional screening.
- To discuss the expanding applications and mechanisms of aptamer therapeutics in modern medicine.
Main Methods:
- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) and its variations for aptamer selection.
- Functional screening strategies for identifying pharmacologically active aptamers.
- Review of existing literature on aptamer applications and mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in aptamer selection methodologies have been achieved.
- Functional screening accelerates the identification of potent aptamer drug candidates.
- Aptamers demonstrate versatile mechanisms of action, including target blocking and inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Aptamer technology is rapidly evolving with transformative potential in medicine.
- Expanding applications in oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases show promise.
- Addressing limitations and exploring future directions will further enhance aptamer therapeutic development.
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