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Chen K, Zhu L, Li J, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Wang X, Wei W, Huang K, Xu W. High-content tailoring strategy to improve the multifunctionality of functional nucleic acids. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116494. [PMID: 38901394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116494] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Functional nucleic acids (FNAs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their diverse physiological functions. The understanding of their conformational recognition mechanisms has advanced through nucleic acid tailoring strategies and sequence optimization. With the development of the FNA tailoring techniques, they have become a methodological guide for nucleic acid repurposing. Therefore, it is necessary to systematize the relationship between FNA tailoring strategies and the development of nucleic acid multifunctionality. This review systematically categorizes eight types of FNA multifunctionality, and introduces the traditional FNA tailoring strategy from five aspects, including deletion, substitution, splitting, fusion and elongation. Based on the current state of FNA modification, a new generation of FNA tailoring strategy, called the high-content tailoring strategy, was unprecedentedly proposed to improve FNA multifunctionality. In addition, the multiple applications of rational tailoring-driven FNA performance enhancement in various fields were comprehensively summarized. The limitations and potential of FNA tailoring and repurposing in the future are also explored in this review. In summary, this review introduces a novel tailoring theory, systematically summarizes eight FNA performance enhancements, and provides a systematic overview of tailoring applications across all categories of FNAs. The high-content tailoring strategy is expected to expand the application scenarios of FNAs in biosensing, biomedicine and materials science, thus promoting the synergistic development of various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Chen
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (Food Safety), College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yangzi Zhang
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yongxia Yu
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Traceability for Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Traceability for Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Kunlun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (Food Safety), College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (Food Safety), College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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He A, Wan L, Zhang Y, Yan Z, Guo P, Han D, Tan W. Structure-based investigation of a DNA aptamer targeting PTK7 reveals an intricate 3D fold guiding functional optimization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404060121. [PMID: 38985770 PMCID: PMC11260122 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404060121] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA aptamers have emerged as novel molecular tools in disease theranostics owing to their high binding affinity and specificity for protein targets, which rely on their ability to fold into distinctive three-dimensional (3D) structures. However, delicate atomic interactions that shape the 3D structures are often ignored when designing and modeling aptamers, leading to inefficient functional optimization. Challenges persist in determining high-resolution aptamer-protein complex structures. Moreover, the experimentally determined 3D structures of DNA molecules with exquisite functions remain scarce. These factors impede our comprehension and optimization of some important DNA aptamers. Here, we performed a streamlined solution NMR-based structural investigation on the 41-nt sgc8c, a prominent DNA aptamer used to target membrane protein tyrosine kinase 7, for cancer theranostics. We show that sgc8c prefolds into an intricate three-way junction (3WJ) structure stabilized by long-range tertiary interactions and extensive base-base stackings. Delineated by NMR chemical shift perturbations, site-directed mutagenesis, and 3D structural information, we identified essential nucleotides constituting the key functional elements of sgc8c that are centralized at the core of 3WJ. Leveraging the well-established structure-function relationship, we efficiently engineered two sgc8c variants by modifying the apical loop and introducing L-DNA base pairs to simultaneously enhance thermostability, biostability, and binding affinity for both protein and cell targets, a feat not previously attained despite extensive efforts. This work showcases a simplified NMR-based approach to comprehend and optimize sgc8c without acquiring the complex structure, and offers principles for the sophisticated structure-function organization of DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axin He
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200127, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
| | - Liqi Wan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200127, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
| | - Pei Guo
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
| | - Da Han
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200127, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai200127, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310022, China
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Qian SQ, Yuan M, Zuo XW, Cao H, Yu JS, Hao LL, Yang KL, Xu F. A novel strategy for enhancing the stability of aptamer conformations in heavy metal ion detection. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1306:342577. [PMID: 38692784 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection methods based on aptamer probes have great potential and progress in the field of rapid detection of heavy metal ions. However, the unstable conformation of aptamers often results in poor sensitivity due to the dissociation of aptamer-target complex in real environments. RESULTS In this study, we developed a locking aptamer probe and combined it with AgInZnS quantum dots for the first time to detect cadmium ions. When cadmium ions are combined with the probe, the cadmium ions are fixed in the core-locking position, forming a stable cavity structure. The limit of detection (LOD) was achieved at a concentration of 6.9 nmol L-1, with a broad detection range from 10 nmol L-1 to 1000 μmol L-1, and good recovery rates (92.93%-102.8 %) were achieved in aquatic product testing. The locking aptamer probe with stable conformation effectively enhances the stability of the aptamer-target complex and remains good stability in four buffer environments as well as a 600 mmol L-1 salt solution; it also exhibits good stability at pH 6.5-7.5 and temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 35 °C. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, our study presented a general, simple, and cost-effective strategy for stabilizing aptamer conformations, and used for highly sensitive detection of cadmium ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Quan Qian
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Food Rapid Detection, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yuan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Food Rapid Detection, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xian Wei Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Sensor and Sensing Technology of Gansu Province, Gansu Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Food Rapid Detection, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Song Yu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Food Rapid Detection, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ling Hao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Food Rapid Detection, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Lin Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Fei Xu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Food Rapid Detection, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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Zhou H, Abudureheman T, Zheng W, Yang L, Zhu J, Liang A, Duan C, Chen K. CAR-Aptamers Enable Traceless Enrichment and Monitoring of CAR-Positive Cells and Overcome Tumor Immune Escape. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305566. [PMID: 38148412 PMCID: PMC10933668 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-positive cell therapy, specifically with anti-CD19 CAR-T (CAR19-T) cells, achieves a high complete response during tumor treatment for hematological malignancies. Large-scale production and application of CAR-T therapy can be achieved by developing efficient and low-cost enrichment methods for CAR-T cells, expansion monitoring in vivo, and overcoming tumor escape. Here, novel CAR-specific binding aptamers (CAR-ap) to traceless sort CAR-positive cells and obtain a high positive rate of CAR19-T cells is identified. Additionally, CAR-ap-enriched CAR19-T cells exhibit similar antitumor capacity as CAR-ab (anti-CAR antibody)-enriched CAR-T cells. Moreover, CAR-ap accurately monitors the expansion of CAR19-T cells in vivo and predicts the prognosis of CAR-T treatment. Essentially, a novel class of stable CAR-ap-based bispecific circular aptamers (CAR-bc-ap) is constructed by linking CAR-ap with a tumor surface antigen (TSA): protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) binding aptamer Sgc8. These CAR-bc-aps significantly enhance antitumor cytotoxicity with a loss of target antigens by retargeting CAR-T cells to the tumor in vitro and in vivo. Overall, novel CAR-aptamers are screened for traceless enrichment, monitoring of CAR-positive cells, and overcoming tumor cell immune escape. This provides a low-cost and high-throughput approach for CAR-positive cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
| | - Tuersunayi Abudureheman
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Medicine and Fujian Children's HospitalFuzhouFujian350005China
| | - Wei‐Wei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
| | - Li‐Ting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
| | - Jian‐Min Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
| | - Ai‐Bin Liang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghai200065China
| | - Cai‐Wen Duan
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Medicine and Fujian Children's HospitalFuzhouFujian350005China
- Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non‐human Primate, National Health CommissionFujian Maternity and Child Health HospitalFuzhouFujian350122China
| | - Kaiming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Ministry of Health, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200127China
- Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong UniversitySchool of Medicine and Fujian Children's HospitalFuzhouFujian350005China
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Yu Y, Li Q, Shi W, Yang Y, He H, Dai J, Mao G, Ma Y. Programmable Aptasensor for Regulating CRISPR/Cas12a Activity. ACS Sens 2024; 9:244-250. [PMID: 38085648 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01881] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-mediated aptasensors have gained prevalence for detecting non-nucleic acid targets. However, there is an urgent need to develop an easily customizable design to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, enhance universality, and expand the detection range. In this article, we report a CRISPR-mediated programmable aptasensor (CPAS) platform. The platform includes single-stranded DNA comprising the aptamer sequence, locker DNA, and a crRNA recognition region, forming a hairpin structure through complementary hybridization. With T4 DNA polymerase, the crRNA recognition region was transformed into a complete double-stranded DNA through stem-loop extension, thereby activating the trans-cleavage activity of Cas 12a and generating fluorescence signals. The specific binding between the target molecule and aptamer disrupted the formation of the hairpin structure, altering the fluorescence signals. Notably, the CPAS platform allows for easy customization by simply changing the aptamer sequence and locker DNA, without entailing adjustments to the crRNA. The optimal number of bases in the locker DNA was determined to be seven nucleotides for the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and four nucleotides for ATP. The CPAS platform exhibited high sensitivity for S protein and ATP detection. Integration with a lateral flow assay enabled sensitive detection within 1 h, revealing its excellent potential for portable analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yu
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qiaoyu Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Wen Shi
- College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hongpeng He
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Junbiao Dai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Guobin Mao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yingxin Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Liu Y, Hu B, Li J, Pei X, Hu X. Perspectives and Prospects on the Application of DNA Aptamer in SARS-CoV-2. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:273-279. [PMID: 37031389 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230408193030] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Bei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Xiaming Pei
- Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine. Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory and Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Research Institute of Hunan University in Chongqing, Chongqing, 401120, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
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Zhang T, Liu J, Zhang L, Irfan M, Su X. Recent advances in aptamer-based biosensors for potassium detection. Analyst 2023; 148:5340-5354. [PMID: 37750217 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01053h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining a stable level of potassium is crucial for proper bodily function because even a slight imbalance can result in serious disorders like hyperkalemia and hypokalemia. Therefore, detecting and monitoring potassium ion (K+) levels are of utmost importance. Various biosensors have been developed for rapid K+ detection, with aptamer-based biosensors garnering significant attention due to their high sensitivity and specificity. This review focuses on aptamer-based biosensors for K+ detection, providing an overview of their signal generation strategies, including electrochemical, field-effect transistor, nanopore, colorimetric, and fluorescent systems. The analytical performance of these biosensors is evaluated comprehensively. In addition, factors that affect their efficiency, such as their physicochemical properties, regeneration for reusability, and linkers/spacers, are listed. Lastly, this review examines the major challenges faced by aptamer-based biosensors in K+ detection and discusses potential future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfang Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Jiajia Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Linghao Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Xin Su
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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Ai L, Jiang X, Zhang K, Cui C, Liu B, Tan W. Tools and techniques for the discovery of therapeutic aptamers: recent advances. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1393-1411. [PMID: 37840268 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2264187] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pursuit of novel therapeutic agents for serious diseases such as cancer has been a global endeavor. Aptamers characteristic of high affinity, programmability, low immunogenicity, and rapid permeability hold great promise for the treatment of diseases. Yet obtaining the approval for therapeutic aptamers remains challenging. Consequently, researchers are increasingly devoted to exploring innovative strategies and technologies to advance the development of these therapeutic aptamers. AREAS COVERED The authors provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress of the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) technique, and how the integration of modern tools has facilitated the identification of therapeutic aptamers. Additionally, the engineering of aptamers to enhance their functional attributes, such as inhibiting and targeting, is discussed, demonstrating the potential to broaden their scope of utility. EXPERT OPINION The grand potential of aptamers and the insufficient development of relevant drugs have spurred countless efforts for stimulating their discovery and application in the therapeutic field. While SELEX techniques have undergone significant developments with the aid of advanced analysis instruments and ingeniously updated aptameric engineering strategies, several challenges still impede their clinical translation. A key challenge lies in the insufficient understanding of binding conformation and susceptibility to degradation under physiological conditions. Despite the hurdles, our opinion is optimistic. With continued progress in overcoming these obstacles, the widespread utilization of aptamers for clinical therapy is envisioned to become a reality soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Ai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Kejing Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cui
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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Yang LF, Ling M, Kacherovsky N, Pun SH. Aptamers 101: aptamer discovery and in vitro applications in biosensors and separations. Chem Sci 2023; 14:4961-4978. [PMID: 37206388 PMCID: PMC10189874 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00439b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that bind and recognize targets much like antibodies. Recently, aptamers have garnered increased interest due to their unique properties, including inexpensive production, simple chemical modification, and long-term stability. At the same time, aptamers possess similar binding affinity and specificity as their protein counterpart. In this review, we discuss the aptamer discovery process as well as aptamer applications to biosensors and separations. In the discovery section, we describe the major steps of the library selection process for aptamers, called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We highlight common approaches and emerging strategies in SELEX, from starting library selection to aptamer-target binding characterization. In the applications section, we first evaluate recently developed aptamer biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 virus detection, including electrochemical aptamer-based sensors and lateral flow assays. Then we discuss aptamer-based separations for partitioning different molecules or cell types, especially for purifying T cell subsets for therapeutic applications. Overall, aptamers are promising biomolecular tools and the aptamer field is primed for expansion in biosensing and cell separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy F Yang
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Melissa Ling
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Nataly Kacherovsky
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Suzie H Pun
- Department of Bioengineering and Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
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Brown TM, Fakih HH, Saliba D, Asohan J, Sleiman HF. Stabilization of Functional DNA Structures with Mild Photochemical Methods. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2142-2151. [PMID: 36651186 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A significant barrier to biological applications of DNA structures is their instability to nucleases. UV-mediated thymine dimerization can crosslink and stabilize DNA nanostructures, but its effect on DNA strand hybridization fidelity and function is unclear. In this work, we first compare a number of methods for DNA irradiation with different wavelengths of light and different photosensitizers. We demonstrate that all approaches can achieve nuclease protection; however, the levels of DNA off-target crosslinking and damage vary. We then describe mild irradiation conditions intended to safeguard DNA against nuclease degradation. We demonstrate up to 25× increase in serum stability while minimizing off-target damage and maintaining functions such as hybridization efficiency, gene silencing, aptamer binding, and DNA nanostructure formation. Our methodology requires no complex instruments beyond a UV light source and no synthetic modification of the DNA itself, allowing for applications in numerous areas of nucleic acid therapy and nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Brown
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal , Québec City H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Hassan H Fakih
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal , Québec City H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Daniel Saliba
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal , Québec City H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Jathavan Asohan
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal , Québec City H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Hanadi F Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal , Québec City H3A 0B8, Canada
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Wang D, Zhang J, huang Z, Yang Y, Fu T, Yang Y, Lyu Y, Jiang J, Qiu L, Cao Z, Zhang X, You Q, Lin Y, Zhao Z, Tan W. Robust Covalent Aptamer Strategy Enables Sensitive Detection and Enhanced Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Proteins. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:72-83. [PMID: 36712483 PMCID: PMC9881204 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aptamer-based detection and therapy have made substantial progress with cost control and easy modification. However, the conformation lability of an aptamer typically causes the dissociation of aptamer-target complexes during harsh washes and other environmental stresses, resulting in only moderate detection sensitivity and a decreasing therapeutic effect. Herein, we report a robust covalent aptamer strategy to sensitively detect nucleocapsid protein and potently neutralize spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD), two of the most important proteins of SARS-CoV-2, after testing different cross-link electrophilic groups via integrating the specificity and efficiency. Covalent aptamers can specifically convert aptamer-protein complexes from the dynamic equilibrium state to stable and irreversible covalent complexes even in harsh environments. Covalent aptamer-based ELISA detection of nucleocapsid protein can surpass the gold standard, antibody-based sandwich ELISA. Further, covalent aptamer performs enhanced functional inhibition to RBD protein even in a blood vessel-mimicking flowing circulation system. The robust covalent aptamer-based strategy is expected to inspire more applications in accurate molecular modification, disease biomarker discovery, and other theranostic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- LIMES
Chemical Biology Unit, Universität
Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jing Zhang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhiyong huang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yuhang Yang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ting Fu
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yifan Lyu
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jianhui Jiang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Liping Qiu
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zehui Cao
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Qimin You
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Ustar
Biotechnologies (Hangzhou) Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yuankui Lin
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Ustar
Biotechnologies (Hangzhou) Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zilong Zhao
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular
Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of
Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Zhejiang
Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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