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Li Y, Liu W, Xu H, Zhou Y, Xie W, Guo Y, Liao Z, Jiang X, Liu J, Ren C. Aptamers combined with immune checkpoints for cancer detection and targeted therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130032. [PMID: 38342267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the field of immunotherapy, which has emerged as a standard treatment for many cancers. As a kind of immunotherapy drug, monoclonal antibodies employed in immune checkpoint therapy have proven beneficial for patients with diverse cancer types. However, owing to the extensive heterogeneity of clinical responses and the complexity and variability of the immune system and tumor microenvironment (TME), accurately predicting its efficacy remains a challenge. Recent advances in aptamers provide a promising approach for monitoring alterations within the immune system and TME, thereby facilitating targeted immunotherapy, particularly focused on immune checkpoint blockade, with enhanced antitumor efficiency. Aptamers have been widely used in tumor cell detection, biosensors, drug discovery, and biomarker screening due to their high specificity and high affinity with their targets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the research status and progress of aptamers in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on those related to immune checkpoints. Additionally, we will discuss the future research directions and potential therapeutic targets for aptamer-based immune checkpoint therapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for targeting immunotherapy molecules and blocking tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Weidong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hongjuan Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Wen Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Youwei Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ziling Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Critical care medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hosptial; project supported by Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center, China.
| | - Caiping Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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Zhu C, Feng Z, Qin H, Chen L, Yan M, Li L, Qu F. Recent progress of SELEX methods for screening nucleic acid aptamers. Talanta 2024; 266:124998. [PMID: 37527564 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences screened by an in vitro methodology called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Known as "chemical antibodies", aptamers can achieve specific recognition towards the targets through conformational changes with high affinity, and possess multiple attractive features including, but not limited to, easy and inexpensive to prepare by chemical synthesis, relatively stable and low batch-to-batch variability, easy modification and signal amplification, and low immunogenicity. Now, aptamers are attracting researchers' attentions from more than 25 disciplines, and have showed great potential for application and economic benefits in disease diagnosis, environmental detection, food security, drug delivery and discovery. Although some aptamers exist naturally as the ligand-binding elements of riboswitches, SELEX is a recognized method for aptamers screening. After thirty-two years of development, a series of SELEX methods have been investigated and developed, as well as have shown unique advantages to improve sequence performances or to explore screening mechanisms. This review would mainly focus on the novel or improved SELEX methods that are available in the past five years. Firstly, we present a clear overview of the aptamer's history, features, and SELEX development. Then, we highlight the specific examples to emphasize the recent progress of SELEX methods in terms of carrier materials, technical improvements, real sample-improved screening, post-SELEX and other methods, as well as their respects of screening strategies, implementation features, screening parameters. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges that have the potential to hinder the success of SELEX and aptamers in practical applications, and provide the suggestions and future directions for developing more convenient, efficient, and stable SELEX methods in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Ziru Feng
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Hongwei Qin
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Mengmeng Yan
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory Test Technology on Food Quality and Safety, Jinan, 250100, China.
| | - Linsen Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Feng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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Ospina-Villa JD, Restrepo-Cano V, Sánchez-Jiménez MM. Bio-SELEX: A Strategy for Biomarkers Isolation Directly from Biological Samples. Methods Protoc 2023; 6:109. [PMID: 37987356 PMCID: PMC10660531 DOI: 10.3390/mps6060109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bio-SELEX is a revolutionary method for the discovery of novel biomarkers within biological samples, offering profound insights into diagnosing both infectious and non-infectious diseases. This innovative strategy involves three crucial steps: Traditional SELEX, Pull Down, and mass spectrometry. Firstly, Traditional SELEX involves the systematic selection of specific nucleic acid sequences (aptamers) that bind to the target molecules of interest. These aptamers are generated through iterative rounds of selection, amplification, and enrichment, ultimately yielding highly selective ligands. Secondly, the Pull-Down phase employs these aptamers to capture and isolate the target biomarkers from complex biological samples. This step ensures the specificity of the selected aptamers in binding to their intended targets. Lastly, mass spectrometry is utilized to identify and quantify the captured biomarkers, providing precise information about their presence and concentration in the sample. These quantitative data are invaluable in disease diagnosis and monitoring. Bio-SELEX's significance lies in its ability to discover biomarkers for a wide range of diseases, spanning infectious and non-infectious conditions. This approach holds great promise for early disease detection, personalized medicine, and the development of targeted therapies. By harnessing the power of aptamers and mass spectrometry, Bio-SELEX advances our understanding of disease biology and opens new avenues for improved healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Ospina-Villa
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical-ICMT, Universidad CES, Sabaneta 055450, Colombia; (V.R.-C.); (M.M.S.-J.)
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Doustmihan A, Fathi M, Mazloomi M, Salemi A, Hamblin MR, Jahanban-Esfahlan R. Molecular targets, therapeutic agents and multitasking nanoparticles to deal with cancer stem cells: A narrative review. J Control Release 2023; 363:57-83. [PMID: 37739017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that malignant tumors are initiated and maintained by a sub-population of tumor cells that have similar biological properties to normal adult stem cells. This very small population of Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) comprises tumor initiating cells responsible for cancer recurrence, drug resistance and metastasis. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, in addition to being potentially toxic and non-specific, may paradoxically increase the population, spread and survival of CSCs. Next-generation sequencing and omics technologies are increasing our understanding of the pathways and factors involved in the development of CSCs, and can help to discover new therapeutic targets against CSCs. In addition, recent advances in nanomedicine have provided hope for the development of optimal specific therapies to eradicate CSCs. Moreover, the use of artificial intelligence and nano-informatics can elucidate new drug targets, and help to design drugs and nanoparticles (NPs) to deal with CSCs. In this review, we first summarize the properties of CSCs and describe the signaling pathways and molecular characteristics responsible for the emergence and survival of CSCs. Also, the location of CSCs within the tumor and the effect of host factors on the creation and maintenance of CSCs are discussed. Newly discovered molecular targets involved in cancer stemness and some novel therapeutic compounds to combat CSCs are highlighted. The optimum properties of anti-CSC NPs, including blood circulation and stability, tumor accumulation and penetration, cellular internalization, drug release, endosomal escape, and aptamers designed for specific targeting of CSCs are covered. Finally, some recent smart NPs designed for therapeutic and theranostic purposes to overcome CSCs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Doustmihan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Fathi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - MirAhmad Mazloomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aysan Salemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
| | - Rana Jahanban-Esfahlan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Li Y, Tam WW, Yu Y, Zhuo Z, Xue Z, Tsang C, Qiao X, Wang X, Wang W, Li Y, Tu Y, Gao Y. The application of Aptamer in biomarker discovery. Biomark Res 2023; 11:70. [PMID: 37468977 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers are detectable molecules that can reflect specific physiological states of cells, organs, and organisms and therefore be regarded as indicators for specific diseases. And the discovery of biomarkers plays an essential role in cancer management from the initial diagnosis to the final treatment regime. Practically, reliable clinical biomarkers are still limited, restricted by the suboptimal methods in biomarker discovery. Nucleic acid aptamers nowadays could be used as a powerful tool in the discovery of protein biomarkers. Nucleic acid aptamers are single-strand oligonucleotides that can specifically bind to various targets with high affinity. As artificial ssDNA or RNA, aptamers possess unique advantages compared to conventional antibodies. They can be flexible in design, low immunogenicity, relative chemical/thermos stability, as well as modifying convenience. Several SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) based methods have been generated recently to construct aptamers for discovering new biomarkers in different cell locations. Secretome SELEX-based aptamers selection can facilitate the identification of secreted protein biomarkers. The aptamers developed by cell-SELEX can be used to unveil those biomarkers presented on the cell surface. The aptamers from tissue-SELEX could target intracellular biomarkers. And as a multiplexed protein biomarker detection technology, aptamer-based SOMAScan can analyze thousands of proteins in a single run. In this review, we will introduce the principle and workflow of variations of SELEX-based methods, including secretome SELEX, ADAPT, Cell-SELEX and tissue SELEX. Another powerful proteome analyzing tool, SOMAScan, will also be covered. In the second half of this review, how these methods accelerate biomarker discovery in various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshu Li
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China.
- Shenzhen Institute for Technology Innovation, National Institute of Metrology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Winnie Wailing Tam
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhichao Xue
- Shenzhen Institute for Technology Innovation, National Institute of Metrology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chiman Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoting Qiao
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaokang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yongyi Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Research Center, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Huizhou City, China.
| | - Yunhua Gao
- Center for Advanced Measurement Science, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China.
- Shenzhen Institute for Technology Innovation, National Institute of Metrology, Shenzhen, China.
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