Title:Current Status and Challenges of Aptamers Screening and Optimization
Volume: 26
Issue: 6
Author(s): Yong Tan, Lan Ma*, Xue Yang, Qi-Ni Cheng and Jiang-Feng Wu
Affiliation:
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and
Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
Keywords:
Aptamer, SELEX, immunogenicity, antibodies, truncation, optimization.
Abstract:
Background: Aptamers, consisting of single-stranded DNA or RNA, have secondary
and tertiary structures which could bind specifically to target molecules. They are characterized by
strong specificity, high affinity, low molecular weight, and low immunogenicity; therefore, the current
research focuses on their potential as a targeted drug carrier, a diagnostic probe for diseases, or
as a direct therapeutic drug.
Objective: In this review, how to improve the success rate of adaptor screening and the optimization
after screening is described.
Results: For aptamer screening, an efficient selection strategy is needed. In this article, by analyzing
key aspects of SELEX such as initial library design, screening procedures, truncation and modification
after screening, a comprehensive analysis of each step that might meet obstacles in
SELEX is provided.
Conclusion: Aptamers, which possess the specificity and affinity with the target, can serve as targeted
drug carriers or biosensors for diagnosing a disease. If the problems in the screening process
in cell-SELEX technology, truncation, and modification after screening are solved, it will have a
broader range of applications.