1
|
Wang B, Kobeissy F, Golpich M, Cai G, Li X, Abedi R, Haskins W, Tan W, Benner SA, Wang KKW. Aptamer Technologies in Neuroscience, Neuro-Diagnostics and Neuro-Medicine Development. Molecules 2024; 29:1124. [PMID: 38474636 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051124] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aptamers developed using in vitro Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) technology are single-stranded nucleic acids 10-100 nucleotides in length. Their targets, often with specificity and high affinity, range from ions and small molecules to proteins and other biological molecules as well as larger systems, including cells, tissues, and animals. Aptamers often rival conventional antibodies with improved performance, due to aptamers' unique biophysical and biochemical properties, including small size, synthetic accessibility, facile modification, low production cost, and low immunogenicity. Therefore, there is sustained interest in engineering and adapting aptamers for many applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics. Recently, aptamers have shown promise as early diagnostic biomarkers and in precision medicine for neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Here, we critically review neuro-targeting aptamers and their potential applications in neuroscience research, neuro-diagnostics, and neuro-medicine. We also discuss challenges that must be overcome, including delivery across the blood-brain barrier, increased affinity, and improved in vivo stability and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- The Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 1501 NW 68th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605, USA
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR), Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Mojtaba Golpich
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Guangzheng Cai
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Reem Abedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - William Haskins
- Gryphon Bio, Inc., 611 Gateway Blvd. Suite 120 #253, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Weihong Tan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Steven A Benner
- The Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 1501 NW 68th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605, USA
| | - Kevin K W Wang
- Center for Neurotrauma, MultiOmics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, 1601 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR), Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin B, Xiao F, Jiang J, Zhao Z, Zhou X. Engineered aptamers for molecular imaging. Chem Sci 2023; 14:14039-14061. [PMID: 38098720 PMCID: PMC10718180 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03989g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging, including quantification and molecular interaction studies, plays a crucial role in visualizing and analysing molecular events occurring within cells or organisms, thus facilitating the understanding of biological processes. Moreover, molecular imaging offers promising applications for early disease diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation. Aptamers are oligonucleotides that can recognize targets with a high affinity and specificity by folding themselves into various three-dimensional structures, thus serving as ideal molecular recognition elements in molecular imaging. This review summarizes the commonly employed aptamers in molecular imaging and outlines the prevalent design approaches for their applications. Furthermore, it highlights the successful application of aptamers to a wide range of targets and imaging modalities. Finally, the review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on future advancements in aptamer-based molecular imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Lin
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Department of Hematology of Zhongnan Hospital, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Feng Xiao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Department of Hematology of Zhongnan Hospital, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Jinting Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Department of Hematology of Zhongnan Hospital, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Zhengjia Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Department of Hematology of Zhongnan Hospital, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Department of Hematology of Zhongnan Hospital, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan 430072 China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amero P, Khatua S, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G. Aptamers: Novel Therapeutics and Potential Role in Neuro-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102889. [PMID: 33050158 PMCID: PMC7600320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A relatively new paradigm in cancer therapeutics is the use of cancer cell-specific aptamers, both as therapeutic agents and for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. After the first therapeutic aptamer was described nearly 25 years ago, and the subsequent first aptamer drug approved, many efforts have been made to translate preclinical research into clinical oncology settings. Studies of aptamer-based technology have unveiled the vast potential of aptamers in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Among pediatric solid cancers, brain tumors are the leading cause of death. Although a few aptamer-related translational studies have been performed in adult glioblastoma, the use of aptamers in pediatric neuro-oncology remains unexplored. This review will discuss the biology of aptamers, including mechanisms of targeting cell surface proteins, various modifications of aptamer structure to enhance therapeutic efficacy, the current state and challenges of aptamer use in neuro-oncology, and the potential therapeutic role of aptamers in pediatric brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
| |
Collapse
|