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Xu C, Tan Y, Zhang LY, Luo XJ, Wu JF, Ma L, Deng F. The Application of Aptamer and Research Progress in Liver Disease. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1000-1018. [PMID: 38305844 PMCID: PMC11087326 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Aptamers, as a kind of small-molecule nucleic acid, have attracted much attention since their discovery. Compared with biological reagents such as antibodies, aptamers have the advantages of small molecular weight, low immunogenicity, low cost, and easy modification. At present, aptamers are mainly used in disease biomarker discovery, disease diagnosis, treatment, and targeted drug delivery vectors. In the process of screening and optimizing aptamers, it is found that there are still many problems need to be solved such as the design of the library, optimization of screening conditions, the truncation of screened aptamer, and the stability and toxicity of the aptamer. In recent years, the incidence of liver-related diseases is increasing year by year and the treatment measures are relatively lacking, which has attracted the people's attention in the application of aptamers in liver diseases. This article mainly summarizes the research status of aptamers in disease diagnosis and treatment, especially focusing on the application of aptamers in liver diseases, showing the crucial significance of aptamers in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, and the use of Discovery Studio software to find the binding target and sequence of aptamers, and explore their possible interaction sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Hubei Selenium and Human Health Institute, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Ye Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Lan Ma
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, China.
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Fei Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China.
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Chakraborty B, Das S, Gupta A, Xiong Y, Vyshnavi TV, Kizer ME, Duan J, Chandrasekaran AR, Wang X. Aptamers for Viral Detection and Inhibition. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:667-692. [PMID: 35220716 PMCID: PMC8905934 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent times have experienced more than ever the impact of viral infections in humans. Viral infections are known to cause diseases not only in humans but also in plants and animals. Here, we have compiled the literature review of aptamers selected and used for detection and inhibition of viral infections in all three categories: humans, animals, and plants. This review gives an in-depth introduction to aptamers, different types of aptamer selection (SELEX) methodologies, the benefits of using aptamers over commonly used antibody-based strategies, and the structural and functional mechanism of aptasensors for viral detection and therapy. The review is organized based on the different characterization and read-out tools used to detect virus-aptasensor interactions with a detailed index of existing virus-targeting aptamers. Along with addressing recent developments, we also discuss a way forward with aptamers for DNA nanotechnology-based detection and treatment of viral diseases. Overall, this review will serve as a comprehensive resource for aptamer-based strategies in viral diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banani Chakraborty
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Sreyashi Das
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Arushi Gupta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Yanyu Xiong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory (HMNTL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - T-V Vyshnavi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Megan E. Kizer
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jinwei Duan
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Chang’an University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710064, China
| | - Arun Richard Chandrasekaran
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Xing Wang
- Nick Holonyak Jr. Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory (HMNTL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Chen XF, Zhao X, Yang Z. Aptamer-Based Antibacterial and Antiviral Therapy against Infectious Diseases. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17601-17626. [PMID: 34854680 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules selected in vitro that can bind to a broad range of targets with high affinity and specificity. As promising alternatives to conventional anti-infective agents, aptamers have gradually revealed their potential in the combat against infectious diseases. This article provides an overview on the state-of-art of aptamer-based antibacterial and antiviral therapeutic strategies. Diverse aptamers targeting pathogen-related components or whole pathogenic cells are summarized according to the species of microorganisms. These aptamers exhibited remarkable in vitro and/or in vivo inhibitory effect for pathogenic invasion, enzymatic activities, or viral replication, even for some highly drug-resistant strains and biofilms. Aptamer-mediated drug delivery and controlled drug release strategies are also included herein. Critical technical barriers of therapeutic aptamers are briefly discussed, followed by some future perspectives for their implementation into clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Emergency Test for Dangerous Chemicals, Institute of Analysis, Guangdong Academy of Sciences (China National Analytical Center, Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510070, PR China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Emergency Test for Dangerous Chemicals, Institute of Analysis, Guangdong Academy of Sciences (China National Analytical Center, Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510070, PR China
| | - Zifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 510320, PR China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou 510005, PR China
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Kim TH, Lee SW. Aptamers for Anti-Viral Therapeutics and Diagnostics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084168. [PMID: 33920628 PMCID: PMC8074132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections cause a host of fatal diseases and seriously affect every form of life from bacteria to humans. Although most viral infections can receive appropriate treatment thereby limiting damage to life and livelihood with modern medicine and early diagnosis, new types of viral infections are continuously emerging that need to be properly and timely treated. As time is the most important factor in the progress of many deadly viral diseases, early detection becomes of paramount importance for effective treatment. Aptamers are small oligonucleotide molecules made by the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers are characterized by being able to specifically bind to a target, much like antibodies. However, unlike antibodies, aptamers are easily synthesized, modified, and are able to target a wider range of substances, including proteins and carbohydrates. With these advantages in mind, many studies on aptamer-based viral diagnosis and treatments are currently in progress. The use of aptamers for viral diagnosis requires a system that recognizes the binding of viral molecules to aptamers in samples of blood, serum, plasma, or in virus-infected cells. From a therapeutic perspective, aptamers target viral particles or host cell receptors to prevent the interaction between the virus and host cells or target intracellular viral proteins to interrupt the life cycle of the virus within infected cells. In this paper, we review recent attempts to use aptamers for the diagnosis and treatment of various viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
| | - Seong-Wook Lee
- Department of Life Convergence, Research Institute of Advanced Omics, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
- R&D Center, Rznomics Inc., Seongnam 13486, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Taneja V, Goel M, Shankar U, Kumar A, Khilnani GC, Prasad HK, Prasad GBKS, Gupta UD, Sharma TK. An Aptamer Linked Immobilized Sorbent Assay (ALISA) to Detect Circulatory IFN-α, an Inflammatory Protein among Tuberculosis Patients. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:656-666. [PMID: 33063508 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.0c00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of IFN-α is the basis for pathogenesis of autoimmune as well as infectious diseases. Identifying inflammatory signatures in peripheral blood of patients is an approach for monitoring active infection. Hence, estimation of type I IFNs as an inflammatory biomarker to scrutinize disease status after treatment is useful. Accordingly, an Aptamer Linked Immobilized Sorbent Assay (ALISA) for the detection of IFN-α in serum samples was developed. Sixteen aptamers were screened for their ability to bind IFN-α. Aptamer IFNα-3 exhibited specificity for IFN-α with no cross-reactivity with interferons β and γ and human serum albumin. The disassociation constant (Kd) was determined to be 3.96 ± 0.36 nM, and the limit of detection was ∼2 ng. The characterized IFNα-3 aptamer was used in ALISA to screen tuberculosis (TB) patients' sera. An elevated IFN-α level in sera derived from untreated TB patients (median = 0.31), compared to nontuberculous household contacts (median = 0.13) and healthy volunteers (median = 0.12), and further a decline in IFN-α level among treated patients (median = 0.13) were seen. The ALISA assay facilitates direct estimation of inflammatory protein(s) in circulation unlike mRNA estimation by real time PCR. Designing of aptamers similar to the IFNα-3 aptamer provides a novel approach to assess other inflammatory protein(s) in patients before, during, and after completion of treatment and would denote clinical improvement in successfully treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Taneja
- National JALMA Institute of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Tajganj, Agra, 282001, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474011, India
- Aptamer Technology and Diagnostics Laboratory, Multidisciplinary Clinical and Translational Research Group, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Incubator, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Third Milestone, Faridabad, Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, 121001, India
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Manish Goel
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Uma Shankar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Discipline of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Gopi C. Khilnani
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Hanumanthappa K. Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | | | - Umesh D. Gupta
- National JALMA Institute of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Tajganj, Agra, 282001, India
| | - Tarun K. Sharma
- Aptamer Technology and Diagnostics Laboratory, Multidisciplinary Clinical and Translational Research Group, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Incubator, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Third Milestone, Faridabad, Gurgaon Expressway, Faridabad, 121001, India
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Kim AR, Choi Y, Kim SH, Moon HS, Ko JH, Yoon MY. Development of a Novel ssDNA Sequence for a Glycated Human Serum Albumin and Construction of a Simple Aptasensor System Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO). BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E141. [PMID: 33066521 PMCID: PMC7602221 DOI: 10.3390/bios10100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is one of the top 10 global causes of death. About one in 11 global adults have diabetes. As the disease progresses, the mortality rate increases, and complications can develop. Thus, early detection and effective management of diabetes are especially important. Herein, we present a novel glycated human serum albumin (GHSA) aptamer, i.e., GABAS-01, which has high affinity and specificity. The aptamer was selected by reduced graphene oxide-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichement (rGO-based SELEX) against GHSA. After five rounds of selection through gradually harsher conditions, GABAS-01 with high affinity and specificity for the target was obtained. GABAS-01 was labeled by FAM at the 5'-end and characterized by measuring the recovery of a fluorescence signal that is the result of fluorescence quenching effect of rGO. As a result, GABAS-01 had low-nanomolar Kd values of 1.748 ± 0.227 nM and showed a low limit of detection of 16.40 μg/mL against GHSA. This result shows the potential application of GABAS-01 as an effective on-site detection probe of GHSA. In addition, these properties of GABAS-01 are expected to contribute to detection of GHSA in diagnostic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Ru Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.-R.K.); (Y.C.); (S.-H.K.)
| | - Yeongmi Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.-R.K.); (Y.C.); (S.-H.K.)
| | - Sang-Heon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.-R.K.); (Y.C.); (S.-H.K.)
| | - Hyun-Seok Moon
- Sungsan Eng Co.ltd., Gumi 39377, Korea; (H.-S.M.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Jae-Ho Ko
- Sungsan Eng Co.ltd., Gumi 39377, Korea; (H.-S.M.); (J.-H.K.)
| | - Moon-Young Yoon
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.-R.K.); (Y.C.); (S.-H.K.)
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Schmitz FRW, Valério A, de Oliveira D, Hotza D. An overview and future prospects on aptamers for food safety. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6929-6939. [PMID: 32588103 PMCID: PMC7315907 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Many bacteria are responsible for infections in humans and plants, being found in vegetables, water, and medical devices. Most bacterial detection methods are time-consuming and take days to give the result. Aptamers are a promising alternative for a quick and reliable measurement technique to detect bacteria present in food products. Selected aptamers are DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can bind with bacteria or other molecules with affinity and specificity for the target cells by the SELEX or cell-SELEX technique. This method is based on some rounds to remove the non-ligand oligonucleotides, leaving the aptamers specific to bind to the selected bacteria. Compared with conventional methodologies, the detection approach using aptamers is a rapid, low-cost form of analysis. Objective This review summarizes obtention methods and applications of aptamers in the food industry and biotechnology. Besides, different techniques with aptamers are presented, which enable more effective target detection. Conclusion Applications of aptamers as biosensors, or the association of aptamers with nanomaterials, may be employed in analyses by colorimetric, fluorescence, or electrical devices. Additionally, more efficient ways of sample preparation are presented, which can support food safety to provide human health, with a low-cost method for contaminant detection.Key points • Aptamers are promising for detecting contaminants outbreaks. • Studies are needed to identify aptamers for different targets. |
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Raquel Wust Schmitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering (EQA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Alexsandra Valério
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering (EQA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Débora de Oliveira
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering (EQA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
| | - Dachamir Hotza
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering (EQA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
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Zhang Y, Lai BS, Juhas M. Recent Advances in Aptamer Discovery and Applications. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24050941. [PMID: 30866536 PMCID: PMC6429292 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA, RNA, or synthetic XNA molecules that can be developed with high affinity and specificity to interact with any desired targets. They have been widely used in facilitating discoveries in basic research, ensuring food safety and monitoring the environment. Furthermore, aptamers play promising roles as clinical diagnostics and therapeutic agents. This review provides update on the recent advances in this rapidly progressing field of research with particular emphasis on generation of aptamers and their applications in biosensing, biotechnology and medicine. The limitations and future directions of aptamers in target specific delivery and real-time detection are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- College of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Bo Shiun Lai
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Mario Juhas
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 28/30, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Bayat P, Nosrati R, Alibolandi M, Rafatpanah H, Abnous K, Khedri M, Ramezani M. SELEX methods on the road to protein targeting with nucleic acid aptamers. Biochimie 2018; 154:132-155. [PMID: 30193856 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an efficient method used to isolate high-affinity single stranded oligonucleotides from a large random sequence pool. These SELEX-derived oligonucleotides named aptamer, can be selected against a broad spectrum of target molecules including proteins, cells, microorganisms and chemical compounds. Like antibodies, aptamers have a great potential in interacting with and binding to their targets through structural recognition and are therefore called "chemical antibodies". However, aptamers offer advantages over antibodies including smaller size, better tissue penetration, higher thermal stability, lower immunogenicity, easier production, lower cost of synthesis and facilitated conjugation or modification with different functional moieties. Thus, aptamers represent an attractive substitution for protein antibodies in the fields of biomarker discovery, diagnosis, imaging and targeted therapy. Enormous interest in aptamer technology triggered the development of SELEX that has underwent numerous modifications since its introduction in 1990. This review will discuss the recent advances in SELEX methods and their advantages and limitations. Aptamer applications are also briefly outlined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Bayat
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rahim Nosrati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Houshang Rafatpanah
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mostafa Khedri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Therapeutic aptamers in discovery, preclinical and clinical stages. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:51-64. [PMID: 30125605 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aptamer field witnessed steady growth during the past 28 years as evident from the exponentially increasing number of related publications. The field is "coming of age", but like other biomedical research areas facing a global push towards translational research to carry ideas from bench- to bedside, there is pressure to show impact for aptamers at the clinical end. Being easy-to-make, non-immunogenic, stable and high-affinity nano-ligands, aptamers are perfectly poised to move in this direction. They can specifically bind targets ranging from small molecules to complex multimeric structures, making them potentially useful in a limitless variety of therapeutic approaches. This review will summarize efforts made to accomplish the therapeutic promise of aptamers, with a focus on aptamers directly acting as therapeutic molecules, rather than those used in targeted delivery of other drugs. The review will showcase representative examples at various stages of development, covering different disease categories.
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Aptamers that bind to the human complement component receptor hC5aR1 interfere with hC5aR1 interaction to its hC5a ligand. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:851-864. [PMID: 29981048 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The complement system plays an important role in inflammation and immunity. In this system, a potent inflammatory ligand is C5a, which initiates its effects by activating its core receptor C5aR1. Thus, compounds that interfere with the C5a-C5aR1 interaction could alleviate some inflammatory conditions. Consequently, several ligands that bind to either C5a or C5aR1 have previously been isolated and evaluated. In the present study, two RNA aptamers, aptamer 1 and aptamer 9, that specifically bind to hC5aR1 with much higher affinity than antibodies were isolated. These two aptamers were tested for their ability to interfere with the cognate ligand of hC5aR1, C5a, using a chemotaxis assay. Both aptamer 1 and 9 interfered with the C5a interaction, suggesting that the aptamers recognized the extracellular domain of hC5aR1 responsible for hC5a ligand binding. Considering the higher affinity of aptamers to the hC5aR1 and their interference with hC5a ligand binding, further study is warranted to explore not only their applications in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases but also their usefulness in modulating hC5a and hC5aR1 interactions.
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Pan Q, Luo F, Liu M, Zhang XL. Oligonucleotide aptamers: promising and powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infectious diseases. J Infect 2018; 77:83-98. [PMID: 29746951 PMCID: PMC7112547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The entire human population is at risk of infectious diseases worldwide. Thus far, the diagnosis and treatment of human infectious diseases at the molecular and nanoscale levels have been extremely challenging tasks because of the lack of effective probes to identify and recognize biomarkers of pathogens. Oligonucleotide aptamers are a class of small nucleic acid ligands that are composed of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or RNA and act as affinity probes or molecular recognition elements for a variety of targets. These aptamers have an exciting potential for diagnose and/or treatment of specific diseases. In this review, we highlight areas where aptamers have been developed as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for both bacterial and viral infectious diseases as well as aptamer-based detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Fengling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Research Institute and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy Wuhan University School of Medicine, Donghu Road 185#, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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Tan J, Yang N, Zhong L, Tan J, Hu Z, Zhao Q, Gong W, Zhang Z, Zheng R, Lai Z, Li Y, Zhou C, Zhang G, Zheng D, Zhang Y, Wu S, Jiang X, Zhong J, Huang Y, Zhou S, Zhao Y. A New Theranostic System Based on Endoglin Aptamer Conjugated Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:4862-4876. [PMID: 29187909 PMCID: PMC5706105 DOI: 10.7150/thno.19101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor vessels can potentially serve as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for solid tumors. Fluorescent dyes are commonly used as biological indicators, while photobleaching seriously hinders their application. In this study, we aim to generate a fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSiNPs) theranostic system marked by the mouse endgolin (mEND) aptamer, YQ26. Methods: A highly specific YQ26 was selected by using gene-modified cell line-based SELEX technique. FSiNPs were prepared via the reverse microemulsion method. The YQ26-FSiNPs theranostic system was developed by combining YQ26 with the FSiNPs for in vivo tumor imaging, treatment and monitoring. Results: Both in vitro experiments (i.e. cellular and tumor tissue targeting assays) and in vivo animal studies (i.e. in vivo imaging and antitumor efficacy of YQ26-FSiNPs) clearly demonstrated that YQ26-FSiNPs could achieve prominently high targeting efficiency and therapeutic effects via aptamer YQ26-mediated binding to endoglin (END) molecule. Conclusion: This simple, sensitive, and specific YQ26-FSiNPs theranostic system has a great potential for clinical tumor targeting imaging and treatment.
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14
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González VM, Martín ME, Fernández G, García-Sacristán A. Use of Aptamers as Diagnostics Tools and Antiviral Agents for Human Viruses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9040078. [PMID: 27999271 PMCID: PMC5198053 DOI: 10.3390/ph9040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate diagnosis is the key factor for treatment of viral diseases. Time is the most important factor in rapidly developing and epidemiologically dangerous diseases, such as influenza, Ebola and SARS. Chronic viral diseases such as HIV-1 or HCV are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic and the therapeutic success mainly depends on early detection of the infective agent. Over the last years, aptamer technology has been used in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and, concretely, several strategies are currently being explored using aptamers against virus proteins. From a diagnostics point of view, aptamers are being designed as a bio-recognition element in diagnostic systems to detect viral proteins either in the blood (serum or plasma) or into infected cells. Another potential use of aptamers is for therapeutics of viral infections, interfering in the interaction between the virus and the host using aptamers targeting host-cell matrix receptors, or attacking the virus intracellularly, targeting proteins implicated in the viral replication cycle. In this paper, we review how aptamers working against viral proteins are discovered, with a focus on recent advances that improve the aptamers' properties as a real tool for viral infection detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M González
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Elena Martín
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Investigación, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS)-Hospital Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gerónimo Fernández
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana García-Sacristán
- Aptus Biotech SL, c/Faraday, 7, Parque Científico de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Abstract
The need for antiviral drugs is growing rapidly as more viral diseases are recognized. The methods used to discover these drugs have evolved considerably over the past 40 years and the overall process of discovery can be broken down into sub-processes which include lead generation, lead optimization and lead development. Various methods are now employed to ensure these processes are carried out efficiently. For lead generation, screening methodologies have developed to the extent where hundreds of thousands of compounds can be screened against a particular target. An alternative approach is to use the structures of enzyme substrates as a starting point for drug discovery. Much use is now made of X-ray crystallographic data of target–inhibitor complexes for the optimization of lead structures, and methods for preparing libraries of compounds to assist both generation and optimization of leads are welldeveloped. The methods used to predict and improve the pharmacokinetic properties of compounds are also changing rapidly. Finally, novel approaches to antiviral therapy using oligonucleotide-based compounds or modulating the host immune response are also being explored. This review discusses these approaches, provides examples of where their application has been successful and sets them against a historical background.
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Affiliation(s)
- PS Jones
- Roche Discovery Welwyn, 40 Broadwater Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3AY, UK
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16
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Yasuhara N, Kumar PKR. Aptamers that bind specifically to human KPNA2 (importin-α1) and efficiently interfere with nuclear transport. J Biochem 2016; 160:259-268. [PMID: 27154959 PMCID: PMC7110145 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvw032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The importin-α family of proteins plays an important role in the eukaryotic importin/exportin nuclear transport system. These proteins recognize a nuclear localization signal (NLS) within cargo proteins and import them into the nucleus through nuclear pores, in a process mediated by importin-β. Recent studies have shown that importin-α proteins specifically recognize the NLS of several cellular factors and viral proteins, thus regulating their movement. Dysregulation of importin-α is a common hallmark of many pathologies including, multiple cancers. In this study, we isolated aptamers 76 and 72, which bind specifically and efficiently to KPNA2, a member of a subfamily of importin-α1. Both of these aptamers bind to KPNA2 with an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 150 nM and discriminate between KPNA2 and other sub-family members of importin-α, such as KPNA1 and KPNA3. These aptamers specifically interfere with the nuclear transport of cargo proteins mediated by KPNA2 but neither with KPNA1 nor KPNA3, which belongs to other subfamily of importins. These results suggest that the selected aptamers (76 and 72) warrant further study to explore not only their application in cancer diagnosis but also their use as a specific reagent to potentially block KPNA2-dependent nuclear transport of macromolecules across the nuclear membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Yasuhara
- Laboratory of Nuclear Transport Dynamics, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Sito-Asagi, Ibaraki-Shi, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Penmetcha K R Kumar
- Biomedical Research Institute, Central 6, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
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17
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Generation and characterization of novel DNA aptamers against coat protein of grouper nervous necrosis virus (GNNV) with antiviral activities and delivery potential in grouper cells. Antiviral Res 2016; 129:104-114. [PMID: 26892075 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) infected larvae and juveniles of more than 50 fish species, resulting in mortality rates of greater than 95%. However, there is no efficient method to control NNV infections. Aptamers generated by selective evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) are short, single-stranded nucleic acid oligomers. They display a high degree of affinity and specificity for many targets, such as viruses and viral proteins. In this study, three novel DNA aptamers (A5, A10, and B11) that specifically target the coat protein (CP) of grouper nervous necrosis virus (GNNV) were selected using SELEX. Secondary structures and minimum free energy (ΔG) predictions indicated that these aptamers could form stable, secondary stem-loop structures. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Kd measurements, the co-localization of tetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA) labeled-aptamers with the CP and flow cytometry analysis revealed that these aptamers could specifically bind the CP with high (nanomolar) affinities. In addition, competition analysis suggested the aptamers shared some common CP binding sites with the anti-CP antibody. Moreover, all three aptamers did not show any cytotoxic effects in vitro or in vivo, and anti-viral analysis indicated the selected aptamers could inhibit NNV infection in vitro and in vivo. Compared with controls, mortality of GNNV-infected fish decreased by 40% and 80% after 10 days infection, when the GNNV was pre-incubated with the 1000 nM A10 and B11, respectively. TAMRA-labeled aptamers could bind to NNV virions and directly enter NNV-infected cells, suggesting they could be used as tracers to study the mechanism of viral infection, as well as for targeted therapy. This is the first time that aptamers targeting a viral protein of marine fish have been generated and characterized. These aptamers hold promise as diagnostic, therapeutic, and targeted drug delivery agents for controlling NNV infections.
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18
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Davydova A, Vorobjeva M, Pyshnyi D, Altman S, Vlassov V, Venyaminova A. Aptamers against pathogenic microorganisms. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:847-65. [PMID: 26258445 PMCID: PMC5022137 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2015.1070115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
An important current issue of modern molecular medicine and biotechnology is the search for new approaches to early diagnostic assays and adequate therapy of infectious diseases. One of the promising solutions to this problem might be a development of nucleic acid aptamers capable of interacting specifically with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Such aptamers can be used for the specific recognition of infectious agents as well as for blocking of their functions. The present review summarizes various modern SELEX techniques used in this field, and of several currently identified aptamers against viral particles and unicellular organisms, and their applications. The prospects of applying nucleic acid aptamers for the development of novel detection systems and antibacterial and antiviral drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Davydova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Maria Vorobjeva
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Dmitrii Pyshnyi
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Sidney Altman
- b Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology , Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Valentin Vlassov
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
| | - Alya Venyaminova
- a Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of Russian Academy of Sciences , Novosibirsk , Russia and
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19
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Abstract
Aptamers, as a novel class of molecular probes for diagnosis, imaging and targeting therapy, have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Aptamers are generated from libraries of single-stranded nucleic acids against different molecules via the "systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment" (SELEX) method. SELEX is a repetitive process of a sequential selection procedure in which a DNA or RNA library pool is incubated separately with target and control molecules to select specific oligonucleotide aptamers with high affinities and specificities. Cell-SELEX is a modified version of the SELEX process in which whole living cells are used as targets for the aptamers. Dendritic cell (DC) targeting, as a new therapeutic approach, can improve the efficiency of immunotherapy in the treatment of allergies and cancers. DCs use various receptors to continuously induce adaptive immunity via capture and presentation of antigens to naïve T cells. DCs are considered as the best targets in modulating immune responses against cancer, autoimmunity, allergy and transplantation. Aptamers, as a new agent, can be applied in DC targeting. The purpose of this review is to present some general concepts of aptamer production and DC targeting by aptamer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ganji
- a Student Research Committee , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran .,b Immunology Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran , and
| | - A Varasteh
- c Allergy Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - M Sankian
- b Immunology Research Center, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran , and
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20
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Szilágyi A, Kun Á, Szathmáry E. Local neutral networks help maintain inaccurately replicating ribozymes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109987. [PMID: 25299454 PMCID: PMC4192543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The error threshold of replication limits the selectively maintainable genome size against recurrent deleterious mutations for most fitness landscapes. In the context of RNA replication a distinction between the genotypic and the phenotypic error threshold has been made; where the latter concerns the maintenance of secondary structure rather than sequence. RNA secondary structure is treated as a proxy for function. The phenotypic error threshold allows higher per digit mutation rates than its genotypic counterpart, and is known to increase with the frequency of neutral mutations in sequence space. Here we show that the degree of neutrality, i.e. the frequency of nearest-neighbour (one-step) neutral mutants is a remarkably accurate proxy for the overall frequency of such mutants in an experimentally verifiable formula for the phenotypic error threshold; this we achieve by the full numerical solution for the concentration of all sequences in mutation-selection balance up to length 16. We reinforce our previous result that currently known ribozymes could be selectively maintained by the accuracy known from the best available polymerase ribozymes. Furthermore, we show that in silico stabilizing selection can increase the mutational robustness of ribozymes due to the fact that they were produced by artificial directional selection in the first place. Our finding offers a better understanding of the error threshold and provides further insight into the plausibility of an ancient RNA world.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Szilágyi
- Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science, Munich/Pullach, Germany
- MTA-ELTE Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Kun
- Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science, Munich/Pullach, Germany
- MTA-ELTE-MTM Ecology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eörs Szathmáry
- Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science, Munich/Pullach, Germany
- MTA-ELTE Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Plant Systematics, Ecology and Theoretical Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Sánchez-Luque FJ, Stich M, Manrubia S, Briones C, Berzal-Herranz A. Efficient HIV-1 inhibition by a 16 nt-long RNA aptamer designed by combining in vitro selection and in silico optimisation strategies. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6242. [PMID: 25175101 PMCID: PMC4150108 DOI: 10.1038/srep06242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) genome contains multiple, highly conserved structural RNA domains that play key roles in essential viral processes. Interference with the function of these RNA domains either by disrupting their structures or by blocking their interaction with viral or cellular factors may seriously compromise HIV-1 viability. RNA aptamers are amongst the most promising synthetic molecules able to interact with structural domains of viral genomes. However, aptamer shortening up to their minimal active domain is usually necessary for scaling up production, what requires very time-consuming, trial-and-error approaches. Here we report on the in vitro selection of 64 nt-long specific aptamers against the complete 5′-untranslated region of HIV-1 genome, which inhibit more than 75% of HIV-1 production in a human cell line. The analysis of the selected sequences and structures allowed for the identification of a highly conserved 16 nt-long stem-loop motif containing a common 8 nt-long apical loop. Based on this result, an in silico designed 16 nt-long RNA aptamer, termed RNApt16, was synthesized, with sequence 5′-CCCCGGCAAGGAGGGG-3′. The HIV-1 inhibition efficiency of such an aptamer was close to 85%, thus constituting the shortest RNA molecule so far described that efficiently interferes with HIV-1 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez-Luque
- 1] Department of Molecular Biology. Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada. Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla (Granada 18016, Spain) [2]
| | - Michael Stich
- 1] Department of Molecular Evolution. Centro de Astrobiología (CAB-CSIC/INTA). Carretera Torrejón a Ajalvir km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid 28850, Spain) [2]
| | - Susanna Manrubia
- Department of Molecular Evolution. Centro de Astrobiología (CAB-CSIC/INTA). Carretera Torrejón a Ajalvir km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid 28850, Spain)
| | - Carlos Briones
- 1] Department of Molecular Evolution. Centro de Astrobiología (CAB-CSIC/INTA). Carretera Torrejón a Ajalvir km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid 28850, Spain) [2] Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
| | - Alfredo Berzal-Herranz
- Department of Molecular Biology. Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López-Neyra" (IPBLN-CSIC), PTS Granada. Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla (Granada 18016, Spain)
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22
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Ngubane NAC, Gresh L, Pym A, Rubin EJ, Khati M. Selection of RNA aptamers against the M. tuberculosis EsxG protein using surface plasmon resonance-based SELEX. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 449:114-9. [PMID: 24813997 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.04.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide which causes high morbidity and mortality. However, there is still limited understanding of the physiological processes that allow M. tuberculosis to survive in its host environment. One of the challenges is the limited availability of molecular probes that can be used to study some of the complex systems in mycobacteria. One such system is the ESX-3 secretion system, a specialized type VII secretion (T7S) system. This system is essential for optimal growth of pathogenic mycobacteria in low iron environments similar to that encountered by mycobacteria in macrophages during infection. EsxG, a protein of unknown function, is both encoded within the ESX-3 locus and secreted by the ESX-3 system. There are currently no molecular probes with high affinity and specificity to the EsxG protein that can be used to study it. Here we demonstrate the use of surface plasmon resonance-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to identify two aptamers, G43 and G78 that bind EsxG with high affinities, KD of 8.04±1.90 nM and 78.85±9.40 nM, respectively. Moreover, these aptamers preferentially bind EsxG over its homologue EsxA. Availability of such probes enables biological investigation of the role of this protein in mycobacteria and its potential as a biomarker for TB diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nqobile A C Ngubane
- Emerging Health Technologies, Biosciences Unit, CSIR, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, Gauteng, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lionel Gresh
- Emerging Health Technologies, Biosciences Unit, CSIR, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Alexander Pym
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Eric J Rubin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Makobetsa Khati
- Emerging Health Technologies, Biosciences Unit, CSIR, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, Gauteng, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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23
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Aptamer-based therapeutics: new approaches to combat human viral diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1507-42. [PMID: 24287493 PMCID: PMC3873675 DOI: 10.3390/ph6121507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses replicate inside the cells of an organism and continuously evolve to contend with an ever-changing environment. Many life-threatening diseases, such as AIDS, SARS, hepatitis and some cancers, are caused by viruses. Because viruses have small genome sizes and high mutability, there is currently a lack of and an urgent need for effective treatment for many viral pathogens. One approach that has recently received much attention is aptamer-based therapeutics. Aptamer technology has high target specificity and versatility, i.e., any viral proteins could potentially be targeted. Consequently, new aptamer-based therapeutics have the potential to lead a revolution in the development of anti-infective drugs. Additionally, aptamers can potentially bind any targets and any pathogen that is theoretically amenable to rapid targeting, making aptamers invaluable tools for treating a wide range of diseases. This review will provide a broad, comprehensive overview of viral therapies that use aptamers. The aptamer selection process will be described, followed by an explanation of the potential for treating virus infection by aptamers. Recent progress and prospective use of aptamers against a large variety of human viruses, such as HIV-1, HCV, HBV, SCoV, Rabies virus, HPV, HSV and influenza virus, with particular focus on clinical development of aptamers will also be described. Finally, we will discuss the challenges of advancing antiviral aptamer therapeutics and prospects for future success.
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24
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Gopinath SC, Kumar PK. Aptamers that bind to the hemagglutinin of the recent pandemic influenza virus H1N1 and efficiently inhibit agglutination. Acta Biomater 2013; 9:8932-41. [PMID: 23791676 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) mediates both receptor (glycan) binding and membrane fusion for cell entry and has been the basis for typing influenza A viruses. In this study we have selected RNA aptamers (D-12 and D-26) that specifically target the HA protein of the recent pandemic influenza virus pdmH1N1 (A/California/07/2009). Among the selected aptamers the D-26 aptamer showed higher affinity for the HA of pdmH1N1 and was able to distinguish HA derived from other sub-types of influenza A viruses. The affinity of the D-26 aptamer was further improved upon incorporation of 2'-fluoropyrimidines to a level of 67 fM. Furthermore, the high affinity D-12 and D-26 aptamers were tested for their ability to interfere with HA-glycan interactions using a chicken red blood cell (RBC) agglutination assay. At a concentration of 200 nM the D-26 aptamer completely abolished the agglutination of RBCs, whereas D-12 only did so at 400 nM. These studies suggest that the selected aptamer D-26 not only has a higher affinity and specificity for the HA of pdmH1N1 but also has a better ability to efficiently interfere with HA-glycan interactions compared with the D-12 aptamer. The D-26 aptamer warrants further study regarding its application in developing topical virucidal products against the pdmH1N1 virus and also in surveillance of the pdmH1N1 influenza virus.
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25
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Aptamer that binds to the gD protein of herpes simplex virus 1 and efficiently inhibits viral entry. J Virol 2012; 86:6732-44. [PMID: 22514343 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00377-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The ectodomain of the gD protein of herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) plays an important role in viral entry by binding to specific cellular coreceptors and mediating viral entry to the host cells. In the present study, we isolated RNA aptamers (aptamer-1 and aptamer-5) that specifically bind to the gD protein of HSV-1 with high affinity and are able to discriminate the gD protein of a different virus, HSV-2. Aptamer-1 efficiently interfered with the interaction between the gD protein and the HSV-1 target cell receptor (HVEM) in a dose-dependent manner. The 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) of aptamer-1 was estimated to be in the nanomolar range (60 nM). Furthermore, aptamer-1 was analyzed for anti-HSV-1 activity by using plaque assays, and it efficiently inhibited viral entry with an estimated K(i) of 0.8 μM. To expand the future applications of aptamer-1, a shorter variant was designed by using both mapping and boundary analyses, resulting in the mini-1 aptamer (44-mer). Compared to the full-length aptamer, mini-1 had at least as high an affinity, specificity, and ability to interfere with gD-HVEM interactions. These studies suggest that the mini-1 aptamer could be explored further as an anti-HSV-1 topical therapy designed to prevent the risk of acquiring HSV-1 infection through physical contact.
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26
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Hwang SY, Sun HY, Lee KH, Oh BH, Cha YJ, Kim BH, Yoo JY. 5'-Triphosphate-RNA-independent activation of RIG-I via RNA aptamer with enhanced antiviral activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:2724-33. [PMID: 22127865 PMCID: PMC3315321 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RIG-I is a cytosolic receptor for non-self RNA that mediates immune responses against viral infections through IFNα/β production. In an attempt to identify novel tools that modulate IFNα/β production, we used SELEX technology to screen RNA aptamers that specifically target RIG-I protein. Most of the selected RIG-I aptamers contained polyU motifs in the second half regions that played critical roles in the activation of RIG-I-mediated IFNβ production. Unlike other known ligands, RIG-I aptamer bound and activated RIG-I in a 5'-triphosphate-independent manner. The helicase and RD domain of RIG-I were used for aptamer binding, but intact RIG-I protein was required to exert aptamer-mediated signaling activation. Furthermore, replication of NDV, VSV and influenza virus in infected host cells was efficiently blocked by pre- or post-treatment with RIG-I aptamer. Based on these data, we propose that RIG-I aptamer has strong potential to be an antiviral agent that specifically boosts the RIG-I-dependent signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Hwang
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Sun
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Ha Oh
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Cha
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeang Hyean Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Yeon Yoo
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Department of Life Sciences, KAIST Institute for the Biocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon and Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
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Gold L, Janjic N, Jarvis T, Schneider D, Walker JJ, Wilcox SK, Zichi D. Aptamers and the RNA world, past and present. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:cshperspect.a003582. [PMID: 21441582 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a003582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers and the SELEX process were discovered over two decades ago. These discoveries have spawned a productive academic and commercial industry. The collective results provide insights into biology, past and present, through an in vitro evolutionary exploration of the nature of nucleic acids and their potential roles in ancient life. Aptamers have helped usher in an RNA renaissance. Here we explore some of the evolution of the aptamer field and the insights it has provided for conceptualizing an RNA world, from its nascence to our current endeavor employing aptamers in human proteomics to discover biomarkers of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Gold
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.
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Hamula CL, Zhang H, Li F, Wang Z, Chris Le X, Li XF. Selection and analytical applications of aptamers binding microbial pathogens. Trends Analyt Chem 2011; 30:1587-1597. [PMID: 32287535 PMCID: PMC7112775 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA aptamers specifically recognizing microbial cells and viruses have a range of analytical and therapeutic applications. This article describes recent advances in the development of aptamers targeting specific pathogens (e.g., live bacteria, whole viral particles, and virally-infected mammalian cells). Specific aptamers against pathogens have been used as affinity reagents to develop sandwich assays, to label and to image cells, to bind with cells for flow-cytometry analysis, and to act as probes for development of whole-cell biosensors. Future applications of aptamers to pathogens will benefit from recent advances in improved selection and new aptamers containing modified nucleotides, particularly slow off-rate modified aptamers (SOMAmers).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - X. Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3
| | - Xing-Fang Li
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3
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Spiridonova VA. [Molecular recognition elements--DNA/RNA-aptamers to proteins]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2011; 56:639-56. [PMID: 21395067 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20105606639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this review summarizes data on DNA/RNA aptamers--a novel class of molecular recognition elements. Special attention is paid to the aptamers to proteins involved into pathogenesis of wide spread human diseases. These include aptamers to serine protease, to cytokines/growth factors, to influenza viral protein, nucleic acid binding proteins. Strong and specific binding for a given protein target of aptamers make them an attractive class of direct protein inhibitors. They can inhibit pathogenic proteins and it is becoming clear that aptamers have the potential to be a new and effective class of therapeutic molecules.
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30
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Park JY, Lee YS, Chang BY, Kim BH, Jeon S, Park SM. Label-free impedimetric sensor for a ribonucleic acid oligomer specific to hepatitis C virus at a self-assembled monolayer-covered electrode. Anal Chem 2011; 82:8342-8. [PMID: 20828200 DOI: 10.1021/ac1019232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A ribonucleic acid (RNA) sensor based on hybridization of its peptide nucleic acid (PNA) molecule with a target RNA oligomer of the internal ribosome entry site sequence specific to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the electrochemical impedance detection is described. This RNA is one of the most conservative molecules of the whole HCV RNA genome. The ammonium ion terminated PNA molecule was immobilized via its host-guest interactions with the diaza crown ring of 3-thiophene-acetamide-diaza-18-crown-6 synthesized by a simple two-step method, which forms a well-defined self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on gold. Hybridization events of the probe PNA with the target RNA were monitored by measuring charge-transfer resistances for the Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) redox probe using Fourier transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The ratio of the resistances of the SAM-covered electrode measured before and after hybridization increased linearly with log[RNA] in the rat liver lysate with a detection limit of about 23 pM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Young Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Gyeongbuk, Korea
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31
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Sefah K, Meng L, Lopez-Colon D, Jimenez E, Liu C, Tan W. DNA aptamers as molecular probes for colorectal cancer study. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14269. [PMID: 21170319 PMCID: PMC3000811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the molecular features of specific tumors can increase our knowledge about the mechanism(s) underlying disease development and progression. This is particularly significant for colorectal cancer, which is a heterogeneous complex of diseases developed in a sequential manner through a multistep carcinogenic process. As such, it is likely that tumors with similar characteristics might originate in the same manner and have a similar molecular behavior. Therefore, specific mapping of the molecular features can be potentially useful for both tumor classification and the development of appropriate therapeutic regimens. However, this can only be accomplished by developing high-affinity molecular probes with the ability to recognize specific markers associated with different tumors. Aptamers can most easily meet this challenge based on their target diversity, flexible manipulation and ease of development. Methodology and Results Using a method known as cell-based Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (cell-SELEX) and colorectal cancer cultured cell lines DLD-1 and HCT 116, we selected a panel of target-specific aptamers. Binding studies by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that these aptamers have high affinity and selectivity. Our data further show that these aptamers neither recognize normal colon cells (cultured and fresh), nor do they recognize most other cancer cell lines tested. Conclusion/Significance The selected aptamers can identify specific biomarkers associated with colorectal cancers. We believe that these probes could be further developed for early disease detection, as well as prognostic markers, of colorectal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwame Sefah
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Shands Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ling Meng
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Shands Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Dalia Lopez-Colon
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Shands Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Jimenez
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Shands Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Lab Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Weihong Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Shands Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
In the past two decades, high-affinity nucleic acid aptamers have been developed for a wide variety of pure molecules and complex systems such as live cells. Conceptually, aptamers are developed by an evolutionary process, whereby, as selection progresses, sequences with a certain conformation capable of binding to the target of interest emerge and dominate the pool. This protocol, cell-SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), is a method that can generate DNA aptamers that can bind specifically to a cell type of interest. Commonly, a cancer cell line is used as the target to generate aptamers that can differentiate that cell type from other cancers or normal cells. A single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) library pool is incubated with the target cells. Nonbinding sequences are washed off and bound sequences are recovered from the cells by heating cell-DNA complexes at 95 degrees C, followed by centrifugation. The recovered pool is incubated with the control cell line to filter out the sequences that bind to common molecules on both the target and the control, leading to the enrichment of specific binders to the target. Binding sequences are amplified by PCR using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled sense and biotin-labeled antisense primers. This is followed by removal of antisense strands to generate an ssDNA pool for subsequent rounds of selection. The enrichment of the selected pools is monitored by flow cytometry binding assays, with selected pools having increased fluorescence compared with the unselected DNA library. The procedure, from design of oligonucleotides to enrichment of the selected pools, takes approximately 3 months.
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Spiridonova VA. Molecular recognition elements: DNA/RNA-aptamers to proteins. BIOCHEMISTRY MOSCOW-SUPPLEMENT SERIES B-BIOMEDICAL CHEMISTRY 2010; 4:138-149. [PMID: 32288940 PMCID: PMC7101625 DOI: 10.1134/s1990750810020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The review summarizes data on DNA/RNA aptamers, a novel class of molecular recognition elements. Special attention is paid to the aptamers to proteins involved into pathogenesis of wide spread human diseases. These include aptamers to serine proteases, cytokines, influenza viral proteins, immune deficiency virus protein and nucleic acid binding proteins. High affinity and specific binding of aptamers to particular protein targets make them attractive as direct protein inhibitors. They can inhibit pathogenic proteins and data presented here demonstrate that the idea that nucleic acid aptamers can regulate (inhibit) activity of protein targets has been transformed from the stage of basic developments into the stage of realization of practical tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Spiridonova
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobievy Gory, 1, bld. 40, Moscow, 119992 Russia
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34
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Gopinath SCB. Mapping of RNA-protein interactions. Anal Chim Acta 2009; 636:117-28. [PMID: 19264161 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2009.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RNA-protein interactions are important biological events that perform multiple functions in all living organisms. The wide range of RNA interactions demands diverse conformations to provide contacts for the selective recognition of proteins. Various analytical procedures are presently available for quantitative analyses of RNA-protein complexes, but analytical-based mapping of these complexes is essential to probe specific interactions. In this overview, interactions of functional RNAs and RNA-aptamers with target proteins are discussed by means of mapping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath
- Institute for Biological Resources and Functions & Center for Applied Near Field Optics Research (CAN-FOR), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City 305-8562, Ibaraki, Japan
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35
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Rajagopal V, Patel SS. Viral Helicases. VIRAL GENOME REPLICATION 2009. [PMCID: PMC7121818 DOI: 10.1007/b135974_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Helicases are motor proteins that use the free energy of NTP hydrolysis to catalyze the unwinding of duplex nucleic acids. Helicases participate in almost all processes involving nucleic acids. Their action is critical for replication, recombination, repair, transcription, translation, splicing, mRNA editing, chromatin remodeling, transport, and degradation (Matson and Kaiser-Rogers 1990; Matson et al. 1994; Mendonca et al. 1995; Luking et al. 1998).
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36
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Long SB, Long MB, White RR, Sullenger BA. Crystal structure of an RNA aptamer bound to thrombin. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 14:2504-2512. [PMID: 18971322 PMCID: PMC2590953 DOI: 10.1261/rna.1239308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers, an emerging class of therapeutics, are DNA or RNA molecules that are selected to bind molecular targets that range from small organic compounds to large proteins. All of the determined structures of aptamers in complex with small molecule targets show that aptamers cage such ligands. In structures of aptamers in complex with proteins that naturally bind nucleic acid, the aptamers occupy the nucleic acid binding site and often mimic the natural interactions. Here we present a crystal structure of an RNA aptamer bound to human thrombin, a protein that does not naturally bind nucleic acid, at 1.9 A resolution. The aptamer, which adheres to thrombin at the binding site for heparin, presents an extended molecular surface that is complementary to the protein. Protein recognition involves the stacking of single-stranded adenine bases at the core of the tertiary fold with arginine side chains. These results exemplify how RNA aptamers can fold into intricate conformations that allow them to interact closely with extended surfaces on non-RNA binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Long
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
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38
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Abstract
Systematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is a new combinational chemical methodology for in vitro selection of specific aptamers. Aptamers are artificial oligonucleotide ligands with high affinity binding to target molecules. They are isolated from combinational libraries of synthetic oligonucleotide by an iterative process of affinity selection, recovery and amplification. Several properties of aptamers such as convenient affinity selection and high affinity and specificify make them widely used. Their affinity and specificity for a given protein are superior to antibodies and make it possible to isolate a matching ligand and adjust its bioactivity. This article reviews the development and potentially clinical application of aptamers targeting at hepatitis C virus.
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39
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Kulbachinskiy AV. Methods for selection of aptamers to protein targets. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2008; 72:1505-18. [PMID: 18282139 DOI: 10.1134/s000629790713007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are synthetic single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules capable of specific binding to other target molecules. In this review, the main aptamer properties are considered and methods for selection of aptamers against various protein targets are described. Special attention is given to the methods for directed selection of aptamers, which allow one to obtain ligands with specified properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, pl. Kurchatova 2, 123182 Moscow, Russia.
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40
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Warsinke A. Electrochemical biochips for protein analysis. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2008; 109:155-93. [PMID: 17928973 DOI: 10.1007/10_2007_079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Proteins bear important functions for most life processes. It is estimated that the human proteome comprises more than 250,000 proteins. Over the last years, highly sophisticated and powerful instruments have been developed that allow their detection and characterization with great precision and sensitivity. However, these instruments need well-equipped laboratories and a well-trained staff. For the determination of proteins in a hospital, in a doctor's office, or at home, low-budget protein analysis methods are needed that are easy to perform. In addition, for a proteomic approach, highly parallel measurements with small sample sizes are required. Biochips are considered as promising tools for such applications. The following chapter describes electrochemical biochips for protein analysis that use antibodies or aptamers as recognition elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Warsinke
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, iPOC Research Group, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 24-25, D-14476 Golm, Germany.
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41
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Win MN, Smolke CD. RNA as a versatile and powerful platform for engineering genetic regulatory tools. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2008; 24:311-46. [PMID: 18059640 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2007.10648106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maung Nyan Win
- Department of Chemical Engineering, MC 210-41, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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42
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Abstract
Aptamers are rare nucleic acid ligands, which can be concocted in the laboratory from the randomized pool of molecules by affinity and amplification processes. Aptamers have several properties as they can be applied complementarily to antibodies and have several advantages over antibodies. In the past, several aptamers have been selected with a view to develop antiviral agents for therapeutic applications. This review summarizes potent antiviral aptamers and their strategies to prevent the viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C B Gopinath
- Functional Nucleic Acids Group, Institute for Biological Resources and Functions and Center for Applied Near Field Optics Research, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan.
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43
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Stoltenburg R, Reinemann C, Strehlitz B. SELEX--a (r)evolutionary method to generate high-affinity nucleic acid ligands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 24:381-403. [PMID: 17627883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioeng.2007.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 933] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Revised: 05/31/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SELEX stands for systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. This method, described primarily in 1990 [Ellington, A.D., Szostak, J.W., 1990. In vitro selection of RNA molecules that bind specific ligands. Nature 346, 818-822; Tuerk, C., Gold, L., 1990. Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment: RNA ligands to bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase. Science 249, 505-510] aims at the development of aptamers, which are oligonucleotides (RNA or ssDNA) binding to their target with high selectivity and sensitivity because of their three-dimensional shape. Aptamers are all new ligands with a high affinity for considerably differing molecules ranging from large targets as proteins over peptides, complex molecules to drugs and organic small molecules or even metal ions. Aptamers are widely used, including medical and pharmaceutical basic research, drug development, diagnosis, and therapy. Analytical and separation tools bearing aptamers as molecular recognition and binding elements are another big field of application. Moreover, aptamers are used for the investigation of binding phenomena in proteomics. The SELEX method was modified over the years in different ways to become more efficient and less time consuming, to reach higher affinities of the aptamers selected and for automation of the process. This review is focused on the development of aptamers by use of SELEX and gives an overview about technologies, advantages, limitations, and applications of aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Stoltenburg
- UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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44
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Abstract
Aptamers are artificial nucleic acid ligands that can be generated in vitro against a wide range of molecules, including the gene products of viruses. Aptamers are isolated from complex libraries of synthetic nucleic acids by an iterative, cell-free process that involves repetitively reducing the complexity of the library by partitioning on the basis of selective binding to the target molecule, followed by reamplification. For virologists, aptamers have potential uses as tools to help to analyse the molecular biology of virus replication, as a complement to the more familiar monoclonal antibodies. They also have potential applications as diagnostic biosensors and in the development of antiviral agents. In recent years, these two promising avenues have been explored increasingly by virologists; here, the progress that has been made is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William James
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX2 3RE, UK
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45
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Gopinath SCB. Methods developed for SELEX. Anal Bioanal Chem 2006; 387:171-82. [PMID: 17072603 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-006-0826-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2006] [Revised: 08/29/2006] [Accepted: 09/01/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is a process that involves the progressive purification from a combinatorial library of nucleic acid ligands with a high affinity for a particular target by repeated rounds of partitioning and amplification. With the development of aptamer technology over the last decade, various modified SELEX processes have arisen that allow various aptamers to be developed against a wide variety of molecules, irrespective of the target size. In the present review, the separation methods used in such SELEX processes are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath
- Functional Nucleic Acids Group, Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan.
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46
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Fear G, Komarnytsky S, Raskin I. Protease inhibitors and their peptidomimetic derivatives as potential drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 113:354-68. [PMID: 17098288 PMCID: PMC7112583 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2006] [Accepted: 09/05/2006] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Precise spatial and temporal regulation of proteolytic activity is essential to human physiology. Modulation of protease activity with synthetic peptidomimetic inhibitors has proven to be clinically useful for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hypertension and shows potential for medicinal application in cancer, obesity, cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurodegenerative diseases, and various infectious and parasitic diseases. Exploration of natural inhibitors and synthesis of peptidomimetic molecules has provided many promising compounds performing successfully in animal studies. Several protease inhibitors are undergoing further evaluation in human clinical trials. New research strategies are now focusing on the need for improved comprehension of protease-regulated cascades, along with precise selection of targets and improved inhibitor specificity. It remains to be seen which second generation agents will evolve into approved drugs or complementary therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Fear
- Biotech Center, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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47
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Gopinath SCB, Sakamaki Y, Kawasaki K, Kumar PKR. An efficient RNA aptamer against human influenza B virus hemagglutinin. J Biochem 2006; 139:837-46. [PMID: 16751591 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvj095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are known for their higher discriminating ability between closely related molecules and their requirement for only a small region for binding, as compared to an antibody. In the present studies, we have isolated a specific RNA aptamer against the influenza virus B/Johannesburg/05/1999 by an in vitro selection procedure. The aptamer bound efficiently to the HA of influenza B and required 5 mM MgCl(2) ion for its recognition. The aptamer not only distinguished HA derived from the influenza A virus, but also inhibited HA-mediated membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash C B Gopinath
- Functional Nucleic Acids Group, Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, 1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566
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48
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Trepanier JB, Tanner JE, Alfieri C. Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutic Options against Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Antivir Ther 2006. [DOI: 10.1177/135965350601100315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the cause of a silent pandemic that, due to the chronic nature of the disease and the absence of curative therapy, continues to claim an ever-increasing number of lives. Current antiviral regimens have proven largely unsatisfactory for patients with HCV drug-resistant genotypes. It is therefore important to explore alternative therapeutic stratagems whose mode of action allows them to bypass viral resistance. Antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, small interfering RNAs, aptamers and deoxyribozymes constitute classes of oligonucleotide-based compounds designed to target highly conserved or functionally crucial regions contained within the HCV genome. The therapeutic expectation for such compounds is the elimination of HCV from infected individuals. Progress in oligonucleotide-based HCV antivirals towards clinical application depends on development of nucleotide designs that bolster efficacy while minimizing toxicity, improvement in liver-targeting delivery systems, and refinement of small-animal models for preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janie B Trepanier
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Caroline Alfieri
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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49
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Gopinath SCB, Misono TS, Kawasaki K, Mizuno T, Imai M, Odagiri T, Kumar PKR. An RNA aptamer that distinguishes between closely related human influenza viruses and inhibits haemagglutinin-mediated membrane fusion. J Gen Virol 2006; 87:479-487. [PMID: 16476969 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.81508-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers selected against various kinds of targets have shown remarkable specificity and affinity, similar to those displayed by antibodies to their antigens. To employ aptamers as genotyping reagents for the identification of pathogens and their strains, in vitro selections were carried out to find aptamers that specifically bind and distinguish the closely related human influenza A virus subtype H3N2. The selected aptamer, P30-10-16, binds specifically to the haemagglutinin (HA) region of the target strain A/Panama/2007/1999(H3N2) and failed to recognize other human influenza viruses, including another strain with the same subtype, H3N2. The aptamer displayed over 15-fold-higher affinity to the HA compared with the monoclonal antibody, and efficiently inhibited HA-mediated membrane fusion. These studies delineate the application of aptamers in the genotyping of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subash C B Gopinath
- Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 6, 1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoko S Misono
- Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 6, 1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawasaki
- Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 6, 1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Takafumi Mizuno
- Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 6, 1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Masaki Imai
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1 Gakuen, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Takato Odagiri
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1 Gakuen, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Penmetcha K R Kumar
- Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Central 6, 1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
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Jones LA, Clancy LE, Rawlinson WD, White PA. Recent advances in discovery and development of promising therapeutics against hepatitis C virus NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Mini Rev Med Chem 2006; 50:3019-27. [PMID: 16940097 PMCID: PMC1563542 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01603-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lack of highly effective and safe therapeutics for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection provides an opportunity as well as a challenge to discover novel and potent anti-HCV drugs. HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is responsible for viral genome replication and thus constitutes a valid target for therapeutic intervention. To date, numerous HCV NS5B RdRp inhibitors have been discovered. This review focuses on the recent advances in discovery, mechanism of action studies and biological characterization of several distinct classes of potent inhibitors for NS5B RdRp. The clinical efficacy and developmental status of several promising compounds are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa A Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Prince Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
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