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Dong Y, Wang J, Chen L, Chen H, Dang S, Li F. Aptamer-based assembly systems for SARS-CoV-2 detection and therapeutics. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6830-6859. [PMID: 38829187 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00774j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide chains with molecular recognition properties. Compared with antibodies, aptamers show advantages given that they are readily produced via chemical synthesis and elicit minimal immunogenicity in biomedicine applications. Notably, aptamer-encoded nucleic acid assemblies further improve the binding affinity of aptamers with the targets due to their multivalent synergistic interactions. Specially, aptamers can be engineered with special topological arrangements in nucleic acid assemblies, which demonstrate spatial and valence matching towards antigens on viruses, thus showing potential in the detection and therapeutic applications of viruses. This review presents the recent progress on the aptamers explored for SARS-CoV-2 detection and infection treatment, wherein applications of aptamer-based assembly systems are introduced in detail. Screening methods and chemical modification strategies for aptamers are comprehensively summarized, and the types of aptamers employed against different target domains of SARS-CoV-2 are illustrated. The evolution of aptamer-based assembly systems for the detection and neutralization of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the construction principle and characteristics of aptamer-based DNA assemblies are demonstrated. The typically representative works are presented to demonstrate how to assemble aptamers rationally and elaborately for specific applications in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and neutralization. Finally, we provide deep insights into the current challenges and future perspectives towards aptamer-based nucleic acid assemblies for virus detection and neutralization in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Jingping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Haonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Shuangbo Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
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2
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Zhou H, Li Y, Wu W. Aptamers: Promising Reagents in Biomedicine Application. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300584. [PMID: 38488739 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300584] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers, often termed "chemical antibodies," are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules, which are selected by SELEX. In addition to their high specificity and affinity comparable to traditional antibodies, aptamers have numerous unique advantages such as wider identification of targets, none or low batch-to-batch variations, versatile chemical modifications, rapid mass production, and lack of immunogenicity. These characteristics make aptamers a promising recognition probe for scientific research or even clinical application. Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials are now emerged as a promising drug delivery system for various diseases with decreased side-effects and improved efficacy. In this review, the technological strategies for generating high-affinity and biostable aptamers are introduced. Moreover, the development of aptamers for their application in biomedicine including aptamer-based biosensors, aptamer-drug conjugates and aptamer functionalized nanomaterials is comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Weizhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
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3
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Adachi T, Nakamura S, Michishita A, Kawahara D, Yamamoto M, Hamada M, Nakamura Y. RaptGen-Assisted Generation of an RNA/DNA Hybrid Aptamer against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Biochemistry 2024; 63:906-912. [PMID: 38457656 PMCID: PMC10993888 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Optimization of aptamers in length and chemistry is crucial for industrial applications. Here, we developed aptamers against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and achieved optimization with a deep-learning-based algorithm, RaptGen. We conducted a primer-less SELEX against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike with an RNA/DNA hybrid library, and the resulting sequences were subjected to RaptGen analysis. Based on the sequence profiling by RaptGen, a short truncation aptamer of 26 nucleotides was obtained and further optimized by a chemical modification of relevant nucleotides. The resulting aptamer is bound to RBD not only of SARS-CoV-2 wildtype but also of its variants, SARS-CoV-1, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We concluded that the RaptGen-assisted discovery is efficient for developing optimized aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Adachi
- RIBOMIC
Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | | | - Akiya Michishita
- Graduate
School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1, Okubo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Computational
Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
(AIST), 3-4-1, Okubo
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Daiki Kawahara
- RIBOMIC
Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamamoto
- Research
Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Michiaki Hamada
- Graduate
School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1, Okubo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Computational
Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
(AIST), 3-4-1, Okubo
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakamura
- RIBOMIC
Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
- The
Institute of Medical Science, The University
of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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4
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Sett A, Gadewar M, Babu MA, Panja A, Sachdeva P, Almutary AG, Upadhye V, Jha SK, Jha NK. Orchestration and theranostic applications of synthetic genome with Hachimoji bases/building blocks. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14378. [PMID: 38230795 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14378] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic genomics is a novel field of chemical biology where the chemically modified genetic alphabets have been considered in central dogma of life. Tweaking of chemical compositions of natural nucleotide bases could be developed as novel building blocks of DNA/RNA. The modified bases (dP, dZ, dS, and dB etc.) have been demonstrated to be adaptable for replication, transcription and follow Darwinism law of evolution. With advancement of chemical biology especially nucleotide chemistry, synthetic genetic codes have been discovered and Hachimoji nucleotides are the most important and significant one among them. These additional nucleotide bases can form orthogonal base-pairing, and also follow Darwinian evolution and other structural features. In the Hachimoji base pairing, synthetic building blocks are formed using eight modified nucleotide (DNA/RNA) letters (hence the name "Hachimoji"). Their structural conformations, like polyelectrolyte backbones and stereo-regular building blocks favor thermodynamic stability and confirm Schrodinger aperiodic crystal. From the structural genomics aspect, these synthetic bases could be incorporated into the central dogma of life. Researchers have shown Hachimoji building blocks were transcribed to its RNA counterpart as a functional fluorescent Hachimoji aptamer. Apart from several unnatural nucleotide base pairs maneuvered into its in vitro and in vivo applications, this review describes future perspective towards the development and therapeutic utilization of the genetic codes, a primary objective of synthetic and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghya Sett
- ERIN Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, 5 Av. des Hauts-Fourneaux, Belval, 4362, Esch, Luxembourg
| | - Manoj Gadewar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, K R Mangalam University, Gurgaon, India
| | - M Arockia Babu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | | | | | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay Upadhye
- Centre of Research for Development (CR4D) and Department of Microbiology, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
- Centre of Research Impact and Outreach, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
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5
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Zhang Y, Li Y. Clinical Translation of Aptamers for COVID-19. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16568-16578. [PMID: 37880142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 etiologic agent, SARS-CoV-2, continues to be one of the leading causes of death on a global scale. Although efficient methods for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 have been developed, new methods of battling SARS-CoV-2 variants and long COVID are still urgently needed. A number of aptamers have demonstrated tremendous potential to be developed into diagnostic and therapeutic agents for COVID-19. The translation of the aptamers for clinical uses, however, has been extremely slow. Overcoming the difficulties faced by aptamers would advance this technology toward clinical use for COVID-19 and other serious disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- College of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Yongen Li
- College of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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Razi N, Li W, Ignacio MA, Loube JM, Agostino EL, Zhu X, Scull MA, DeStefano JJ. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human airway epithelium with a xeno-nucleic acid aptamer. Respir Res 2023; 24:272. [PMID: 37932762 PMCID: PMC10629106 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02590-4] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, enters cells through viral spike glycoprotein binding to the cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Given the lack of effective antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2, we previously utilized systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and selected fluoro-arabino nucleic acid (FANA) aptamer R8-9 that was able to block the interaction between the viral receptor-binding domain and ACE2. METHODS Here, we further assessed FANA-R8-9 as an entry inhibitor in contexts that recapitulate infection in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrate that FANA-R8-9 inhibits spike-bearing pseudovirus particle uptake in cell lines. Then, using an in-vitro model of human airway epithelium (HAE) and SARS-CoV-2 virus, we show that FANA-R8-9 significantly reduces viral infection when added either at the time of inoculation, or several hours later. These results were specific to the R8-9 sequence, not the xeno-nucleic acid utilized to make the aptamer. Importantly, we also show that FANA-R8-9 is stable in HAE culture secretions and has no overt cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results suggest that FANA-R8-9 effectively prevents infection by specific SARS-CoV-2 variants and indicate that aptamer technology could be utilized to target other clinically-relevant viruses in the respiratory mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niayesh Razi
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Weizhong Li
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Maxinne A Ignacio
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Loube
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Eva L Agostino
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Margaret A Scull
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Jeffrey J DeStefano
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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7
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Ji D, Feng H, Liew SW, Kwok CK. Modified nucleic acid aptamers: development, characterization, and biological applications. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1360-1384. [PMID: 37302912 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to their targets via specific structural interactions. To improve the properties and performance of aptamers, modified nucleotides are incorporated during or after a selection process such as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). We summarize the latest modified nucleotides and strategies used in modified (mod)-SELEX and post-SELEX to develop modified aptamers, highlight the methods used to characterize aptamer-target interactions, and present recent progress in modified aptamers that recognize different targets. We discuss the challenges and perspectives in further advancing the methodologies and toolsets to accelerate the discovery of modified aptamers, improve the throughput of aptamer-target characterization, and expand the functional diversity and complexity of modified aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyang Ji
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Hengxin Feng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Shiau Wei Liew
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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Razi N, Li W, Ignacio MA, Loube JM, Agostino EL, Zhu X, Scull MA, DeStefano JJ. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Airway Epithelium with a Xeno-Nucleic Acid Aptamer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559799. [PMID: 37808754 PMCID: PMC10557761 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2, the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, enters cells through viral spike glycoprotein binding to the cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Given the lack of effective antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2, we previously utilized systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and selected fluoro-arabino nucleic acid (FANA) aptamer R8-9 that was able to block the interaction between the viral receptor-binding domain and ACE2. Methods Here, we further assessed FANA-R8-9 as an entry inhibitor in contexts that recapitulate infection in vivo. Results We demonstrate that FANA-R8-9 inhibits spike-bearing pseudovirus particle uptake in cell lines. Then, using an in-vitro model of human airway epithelium (HAE) and SARS-CoV-2 virus, we show that FANA-R8-9 significantly reduces viral infection when added either at the time of inoculation, or several hours later. These results were specific to the R8-9 sequence, not the xeno-nucleic acid utilized to make the aptamer. Importantly, we also show that FANA-R8-9 is stable in HAE culture secretions and has no overt cytotoxic effects. Conclusions Together, these results suggest that FANA-R8-9 effectively prevents infection by specific SARS-CoV-2 variants and indicate that aptamer technology could be utilized to target other clinically-relevant viruses in the respiratory mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niayesh Razi
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Weizhong Li
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Maxinne A. Ignacio
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Jeffrey M. Loube
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Eva L. Agostino
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- Division of Immunology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Margaret A. Scull
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
| | - Jeffrey J. DeStefano
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742
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Mahmoudi A, Hoda Alavizadeh S, Atefeh Hosseini S, Meidany P, Doagooyan M, Abolhasani Y, Saadat Z, Amani F, Kesharwani P, Gheybi F, Sahebkar A. Harnessing aptamers against COVID-19: a therapeutic strategy. Drug Discov Today 2023:103663. [PMID: 37315763 PMCID: PMC10266562 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus crisis caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was a global pandemic. Although various therapeutic approaches were developed over the past 2 years, novel strategies with more efficient applicability are required to target new variants. Aptamers are single-stranded (ss)RNA or DNA oligonucleotides capable of folding into unique 3D structures with robust binding affinity to a wide variety of targets following structural recognition. Aptamer-based theranostics have proven excellent capability for diagnosing and treating various viral infections. Herein, we review the current status and future perspective of the potential of aptamers as COVID-19 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Atefeh Hosseini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Pouria Meidany
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maham Doagooyan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Yasaman Abolhasani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Zakieh Saadat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Amani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Moshref ZS, Jalali T, Rezaei Adriani R, Soltati E, Mousavi Gargari SL. Aptamer-based diagnosis of various SARS-CoV2 strains isolated from clinical specimens. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16458. [PMID: 37251485 PMCID: PMC10204341 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, an unknown strain of coronavirus, has resulted in severe acute respiratory syndrome with high mortality rates worldwide. Due to the possibility of asymptomatic carriers, late diagnosis of infected individuals can lead to uncontrollable transmission of the disease, making early and accurate detection crucial in controlling the spread of the virus. In this study we identified high-binding-affinity aptamers targeting various strains of the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) virus, using the GO-Cell-SELEX (Graphene Oxide- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) strategy. A total of 96 aptamers were developed through 11 rounds of GO-Cell-SELEX from a random 40 nucleotide single-strand DNA (ssDNA) aptamer library. Using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method, the dissociation constant (Kd) values of all aptamers were calculated and two aptamers 52 and 91 with Kd 50 and 61 were selected for enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay (ELASA). Aptamer 91 could detect various strains of the virus in above 97% of clinical samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swaps (NPS) specimens kept in viral transport media (VTM), confirmed by real-time PCR assay at COVID-19 Reference Diagnostic Laboratory of Iran, Pasture Institute. Aptamer 52 could detect the SARS-CoV2 virus in a competitive lateral flow assay (LFA) to be considered for a future designed kit. These two simple, specific, and sensitive tests can be used in combination for rapid and early diagnosis of various strains of the COVID-19 virus. Our results suggest that these two discovered aptamers present an opportunity for developing a new rapid aptamer-based coronavirus diagnostic kit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tahmineh Jalali
- Department of Arboviruses and Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (National Reference Laboratory), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Elahe Soltati
- Faculty of Converging Science and Technologies, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Frye CJ, Cunningham CL, Mihailescu MR. Host microRNA interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome 3'-untranslated region. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541401. [PMID: 37292986 PMCID: PMC10245713 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has marked the spread of a novel human coronavirus. While the viral life cycle is well understood, most of the interactions at the virus-host interface remain elusive. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms behind disease severity and immune evasion are still largely unknown. Conserved elements of the viral genome such as secondary structures within the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) serve as attractive targets of interest and could prove crucial in furthering our understanding of virus-host interactions. It has been proposed that microRNA (miR) interactions with viral components could be used by both the virus and host for their own benefit. Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome 3'-UTR has revealed the potential for host cellular miR binding sites, providing sites for specific interactions with the virus. In this study, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 genome 3'-UTR binds the host cellular miRNAs miR-760-3p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-34b-5p, which have been shown to influence translation of interleukin-6 (IL-6), the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), as well as progranulin (PGRN), respectively, proteins that have roles in the host immune response and inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, recent work suggests the potential of miR-34a-5p and miR-34b-5p to target and inhibit translation of viral proteins. Native gel electrophoresis and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy were utilized to characterize the binding of these miRs to their predicted sites within the SARS-CoV-2 genome 3'-UTR. Additionally, we investigated 2'-fluoro-D-arabinonucleic acid (FANA) analogs of these miRNAs as competitive binding inhibitors for these miR binding interactions. The mechanisms detailed in this study have the potential to drive the development of antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and provide a potential molecular basis for cytokine release syndrome and immune evasion which could implicate the host-virus interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Frye
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Caylee L Cunningham
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
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12
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Gerecht K, Freund N, Liu W, Liu Y, Fürst MJLJ, Holliger P. The Expanded Central Dogma: Genome Resynthesis, Orthogonal Biosystems, Synthetic Genetics. Annu Rev Biophys 2023; 52:413-432. [PMID: 37159296 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-111622-091203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology seeks to probe fundamental aspects of biological form and function by construction [i.e., (re)synthesis] rather than deconstruction (analysis). In this sense, biological sciences now follow the lead given by the chemical sciences. Synthesis can complement analytic studies but also allows novel approaches to answering fundamental biological questions and opens up vast opportunities for the exploitation of biological processes to provide solutions for global problems. In this review, we explore aspects of this synthesis paradigm as applied to the chemistry and function of nucleic acids in biological systems and beyond, specifically, in genome resynthesis, synthetic genetics (i.e., the expansion of the genetic alphabet, of the genetic code, and of the chemical make-up of genetic systems), and the elaboration of orthogonal biosystems and components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karola Gerecht
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Niklas Freund
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Wei Liu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Yang Liu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Maximilian J L J Fürst
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
- Current address: Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Philipp Holliger
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
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13
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Zhou X, Li J, Hu Y, Wu Y, Wang Y, Ning G. A novel colorimetric assay for sensitive detection of kanamycin based on the aptamer-regulated peroxidase-mimicking activity of Co 3O 4 nanoparticles. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:2441-2447. [PMID: 37157837 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00304c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Kanamycin is used widely in livestock farming due to its antimicrobial properties and low cost, but has led to antibiotic residues in food, which can damage human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for convenient technology that can be used to detect kanamycin rapidly. We found that Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) possessed peroxidase-like activity that catalyzed the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine to change color. Interestingly, a target-specific aptamer could regulate the catalytic activity of Co3O4 NPs and inhibit this effect through aptamer-target binding. On the basis of a colorimetric assay combined with an aptamer-regulatory mechanism, the linear range for quantitative detection of kanamycin was 0.1-30 μM, the minimum limit of detection was 44.2 nM, and the total time needed for detection was 55 min. Moreover, this "aptasensor" displayed excellent selectivity and could be applied to detect KAN in milk samples. Our sensor might have promising applications for kanamycin detection in animal husbandry and agricultural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, China.
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, China.
| | - Yuda Hu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, China.
| | - Yaohui Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, China.
| | - Yonghong Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Forestry Biotechnology, International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004, Changsha, China.
| | - Ge Ning
- International Education Institute, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 410208, Changsha, China.
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14
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Ham Y, Cho NC, Kim D, Kim JH, Jo MJ, Jeong MS, Pak BY, Lee S, Lee MK, Chi SW, Kim TD, Jeong NC, Cho S. The SpACE-CCM: A facile and versatile cell culture medium-based biosensor for detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2 interaction. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 227:115169. [PMID: 36827795 PMCID: PMC9938795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global public health threat. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike to its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), on host cells is critical for viral infection. Here, we developed a luminescent biosensor that readily detects interactions of the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) and ACE2 in cell culture medium ('SpACE-CCM'), which was based on bimolecular complementation of the split nanoluciferase-fused spike RBD and ectodomain of ACE2 and further engineered to be efficiently secreted from cells by adding a heterologous secretory signal peptide (SSP). Screening of various SSPs identified 'interferon-α+alanine-aspartate' as the SSP that induced the highest activity. The SpACE-CCM biosensor was validated by observing a marked reduction of the activity caused by interaction-defective mutations or in the presence of neutralizing antibodies, recombinant decoy proteins, or peptides. Importantly, the SpACE-CCM biosensor responded well in assay-validating conditions compared with conventional cell lysate-based NanoLuc Binary Technology, indicating its advantage. We further demonstrated the biosensor's versatility by quantitatively detecting neutralizing activity in blood samples from COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals, discovering a small molecule interfering with the spike RBD-ACE2 interaction through high-throughput screening, and assessing the cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Because the SpACE-CCM is a facile and rapid one-step reaction biosensor that aptly recapitulates the native spike-ACE2 interaction, it would be advantageous in many experimental and clinical applications associated with this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngwook Ham
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Chul Cho
- Korea Chemical Bank, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeyong Kim
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- AM Science Corp., Gyeonggi, 12902, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Jo
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28116, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Seon Jeong
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Yeong Pak
- AM Science Corp., Gyeonggi, 12902, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyeok Lee
- AM Science Corp., Gyeonggi, 12902, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Wook Chi
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sungchan Cho
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (KUST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Sen P, Zhang Z, Li P, Adhikari BR, Guo T, Gu J, MacIntosh AR, van der Kuur C, Li Y, Soleymani L. Integrating Water Purification with Electrochemical Aptamer Sensing for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater. ACS Sens 2023; 8:1558-1567. [PMID: 36926840 PMCID: PMC10042147 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02655] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater analysis of pathogens, particularly SARS-CoV-2, is instrumental in tracking and monitoring infectious diseases in a population. This method can be used to generate early warnings regarding the onset of an infectious disease and predict the associated infection trends. Currently, wastewater analysis of SARS-CoV-2 is almost exclusively performed using polymerase chain reaction for the amplification-based detection of viral RNA at centralized laboratories. Despite the development of several biosensing technologies offering point-of-care solutions for analyzing SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples, these remain elusive for wastewater analysis due to the low levels of the virus and the interference caused by the wastewater matrix. Herein, we integrate an aptamer-based electrochemical chip with a filtration, purification, and extraction (FPE) system for developing an alternate in-field solution for wastewater analysis. The sensing chip employs a dimeric aptamer, which is universally applicable to the wild-type, alpha, delta, and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrate that the aptamer is stable in the wastewater matrix (diluted to 50%) and its binding affinity is not significantly impacted. The sensing chip demonstrates a limit of detection of 1000 copies/L (1 copy/mL), enabled by the amplification provided by the FPE system. This allows the integrated system to detect trace amounts of the virus in native wastewater and categorize the amount of contamination into trace (<10 copies/mL), medium (10-1000 copies/mL), or high (>1000 copies/mL) levels, providing a viable wastewater analysis solution for in-field use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Sen
- Department of Engineering Physics,
McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
| | - Zijie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
| | - Phoebe Li
- Department of Physics, McMaster
University, Hamilton L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Bal Ram Adhikari
- Department of Engineering Physics,
McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
| | - Tianyi Guo
- Forsee Instruments, Ltd.,
Hamilton L8P0A1, Canada
| | - Jimmy Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
| | | | | | - Yingfu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences,
McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster
University, Hamilton L8S 4K1, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease
Research, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
| | - Leyla Soleymani
- Department of Engineering Physics,
McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster
University, Hamilton L8S 4K1, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease
Research, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4K1,
Canada
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16
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Aptamers targeting SARS-COV-2: a promising tool to fight against COVID-19. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:528-544. [PMID: 35995601 PMCID: PMC9340053 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, remains among the main causes of global mortality. Although antigen/antibody-based immunoassays and neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 have been successfully developed over the past 2 years, they are often inefficient and unreliable for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Novel approaches against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are therefore urgently needed. Aptamers have been developed for the detection and inhibition of several different viruses such as HIV, influenza viruses, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV. Aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 represent a promising tool in the fight against COVID-19, which is of paramount importance for the current and any future pandemics. This review presents recent advances and future trends in the development of aptamer-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and treatment.
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17
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Juhas M. COVID-19. BRIEF LESSONS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023:123-133. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-29544-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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18
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Danchin A, Huang JD. SynBio 2.0, a new era for synthetic life: Neglected essential functions for resilience. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:64-78. [PMID: 36045561 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Danchin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li KaShing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jian Dong Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li KaShing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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19
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Sun L, Ma X, Zhang B, Qin Y, Ma J, Du Y, Chen T. From polymerase engineering to semi-synthetic life: artificial expansion of the central dogma. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1173-1197. [PMID: 36320892 PMCID: PMC9533422 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00116k] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids have been extensively modified in different moieties to expand the scope of genetic materials in the past few decades. While the development of unnatural base pairs (UBPs) has expanded the genetic information capacity of nucleic acids, the production of synthetic alternatives of DNA and RNA has increased the types of genetic information carriers and introduced novel properties and functionalities into nucleic acids. Moreover, the efforts of tailoring DNA polymerases (DNAPs) and RNA polymerases (RNAPs) to be efficient unnatural nucleic acid polymerases have enabled broad application of these unnatural nucleic acids, ranging from production of stable aptamers to evolution of novel catalysts. The introduction of unnatural nucleic acids into living organisms has also started expanding the central dogma in vivo. In this article, we first summarize the development of unnatural nucleic acids with modifications or alterations in different moieties. The strategies for engineering DNAPs and RNAPs are then extensively reviewed, followed by summarization of predominant polymerase mutants with good activities for synthesizing, reverse transcribing, or even amplifying unnatural nucleic acids. Some recent application examples of unnatural nucleic acids with their polymerases are then introduced. At the end, the approaches of introducing UBPs and synthetic genetic polymers into living organisms for the creation of semi-synthetic organisms are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Sun
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Xingyun Ma
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Binliang Zhang
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Yanjia Qin
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Jiezhao Ma
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Yuhui Du
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
| | - Tingjian Chen
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology 510006 Guangzhou China
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20
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Yang LF, Kacherovsky N, Liang J, Salipante SJ, Pun SH. SCORe: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant RBD-Binding DNA Aptamer for Multiplexed Rapid Detection and Pseudovirus Neutralization. Anal Chem 2022; 94:12683-12690. [PMID: 35972202 PMCID: PMC9397568 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern emerged, including the Omicron variant, which has enhanced infectivity and immune invasion. Many antibodies and aptamers that bind the spike (S) of previous strains of SARS-CoV-2 either do not bind or bind with low affinity to Omicron S. In this study, we report a high-affinity SARS-CoV-2 Omicron RBD-binding aptamer (SCORe) that binds Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 RBD with nanomolar KD1. We employ aptamers SCORe.50 and SNAP4.74 in a multiplexed lateral flow assay (LFA) to distinguish between Omicron and wild-type S at concentrations as low as 100 pM. Finally, we show that SCORe.50 and its dimerized form SCOReD can neutralize Omicron S-pseudotyped virus infection of ACE2-overexpressing cells by >70%. SCORe therefore has potential applications in COVID-19 rapid diagnostics as well as in viral neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy F. Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Nataly Kacherovsky
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Joey Liang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | | | - Suzie H. Pun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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21
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Tu T, Huan S, Ke G, Zhang X. Functional Xeno Nucleic Acids for Biomedical Application. Chem Res Chin Univ 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40242-021-2186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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22
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Zhang J, Xu Y, Huang Y, Sun M, Liu S, Wan S, Chen H, Yang C, Yang Y, Song Y. Spatially Patterned Neutralizing Icosahedral DNA Nanocage for Efficient SARS-CoV-2 Blocking. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:13146-13153. [PMID: 35770902 PMCID: PMC9291398 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies that can inhibit the infection of wild-type and mutant strains would alleviate their threats to global public health. Here, we propose an icosahedral DNA framework for the assembly of up to 30 spatially arranged neutralizing aptamers (IDNA-30) to inhibit viral infection. Each triangular plane of IDNA-30 is composed of three precisely positioned aptamers topologically matching the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer, thus forming a multivalent spatially patterned binding. Due to its multiple binding sites and moderate size, multifaced IDNA-30 induces aggregation of viruses. The rigid icosahedron framework afforded by four helixes not only forms a steric barrier to prevent the virus from binding to the host but also limits the conformational transformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer. Combining multivalent topologically patterned aptamers with structurally well-defined nanoformulations, IDNA-30 exhibits excellent broad-spectrum neutralization against SARS-CoV-2, including almost completely blocking the infection of Omicron pseudovirus. Overall, this multidimensional neutralizing strategy provides a new direction for the assembly of neutralizing reagents to enhance their inhibitory effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection and combat other disease-causing viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and
Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology,
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key
Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes
and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yunyun Xu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key
Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes
and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yihao Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and
Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology,
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Miao Sun
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and
Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology,
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Siwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases
and InnoHK Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty
of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077,
China
| | - Shuang Wan
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and
Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology,
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases
and InnoHK Centre for Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty
of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077,
China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and
Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology,
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key
Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes
and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Shanghai Key
Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes
and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yanling Song
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and
Instrumentation, the Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology,
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
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23
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Tu T, Huan S, Ke G, Zhang X. Functional Xeno Nucleic Acids for Biomedical Application. Chem Res Chin Univ 2022:1-7. [PMID: 35814030 PMCID: PMC9253239 DOI: 10.1007/s40242-022-2186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Functional nucleic acids(FNAs) refer to a type of oligonucleotides with functions over the traditional genetic roles of nucleic acids, which have been widely applied in screening, sensing and imaging fields. However, the potential application of FNAs in biomedical field is still restricted by the unsatisfactory stability, biocompatibility, biodistribution and immunity of natural nucleic acids(DNA/RNA). Xeno nucleic acids(XNAs) are a kind of nucleic acid analogues with chemically modified sugar groups that possess improved biological properties, including improved biological stability, increased binding affinity, reduced immune responses, and enhanced cell penetration or tissue specificity. In the last two decades, scientists have made great progress in the research of functional xeno nucleic acids, which makes it an emerging attractive biomedical application material. In this review, we summarized the design of functional xeno nucleic acids and their applications in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 P. R. China
| | - Shuangyan Huan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 P. R. China
| | - Guoliang Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 P. R. China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 P. R. China
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24
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Li J, Zhang Z, Amini R, Li Y. One Solution for All: Searching for Universal Aptamers for Constantly Mutating Spike Proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200166. [PMID: 35491395 PMCID: PMC9347811 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiuxing Li
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Zijie Zhang
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Ryan Amini
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Yingfu Li
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences 1280 Main Street West L8S4K1 Hamilton CANADA
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25
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Amini R, Zhang Z, Li J, Gu J, Brennan J, Li Y. Aptamers for SARS-CoV-2: Isolation, Characterization, and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Developments. ANALYSIS & SENSING 2022; 2:e202200012. [PMID: 35574520 PMCID: PMC9082509 DOI: 10.1002/anse.202200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and COVID‐19 pandemic continue to demand effective diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Finding these solutions requires highly functional molecular recognition elements. Nucleic acid aptamers represent a possible solution. Characterized by their high affinity and specificity, aptamers can be rapidly identified from random‐sequence nucleic acid libraries. Over the past two years, many labs around the world have rushed to create diverse aptamers that target two important structural proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2: the spike (S) protein and nucleocapsid (N) protein. These have led to the identification of many aptamers that show real promise for the development of diagnostic tests and therapeutic agents for SARS‐CoV‐2. Herein we review all these developments, with a special focus on the development of diverse aptasensors for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2. These include electrochemical and optical sensors, lateral flow devices, and aptamer‐linked immobilized sorbent assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Amini
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Zijie Zhang
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Jiuxing Li
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Jimmy Gu
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - John Brennan
- McMaster University Biointerfaces Institute CANADA
| | - Yingfu Li
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences 1280 Main Street West L8S4K1 Hamilton CANADA
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26
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Zhang W, He Y, Feng Z, Zhang J. Recent advances of functional nucleic acid-based sensors for point-of-care detection of SARS-CoV-2. Mikrochim Acta 2022; 189:128. [PMID: 35235065 PMCID: PMC8889384 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-022-05242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on critical scientific barriers that the field of point-of-care (POC) testing of SARS-CoV-2 is facing and possible solutions to overcome these barriers using functional nucleic acid (FNA)-based technology. Beyond the summary of recent advances in FNA-based sensors for COVID-19 diagnostics, our goal is to outline how FNA might serve to overcome the scientific barriers that currently available diagnostic approaches are suffering. The first introductory section on the operationalization of the COVID-19 pandemic in historical view and its clinical features contextualizes essential SARS-CoV-2-specific biomarkers. The second part highlights three major scientific barriers for POC COVID-19 diagnosis, that is, the lack of a general method for (1) designing receptors of SARS-CoV-2 variants; (2) improving sensitivity to overcome false negatives; and (3) signal readout in resource-limited settings. The subsequent part provides fundamental insights into FNA and technical tricks to successfully achieve effective COVID-19 diagnosis by using in vitro selection of FNA to overcome receptor design barriers, combining FNA with multiple DNA signal amplification strategies to improve sensitivity, and interfacing FNA with portable analyzers to overcome signal readout barriers. This review concludes with an overview of further opportunities and emerging applications for FNA-based sensors against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ying He
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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27
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Aptamers-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Solution in SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031412. [PMID: 35163338 PMCID: PMC8836149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently the most serious challenge to global public health. Its emergence has severely disrupted the functioning of health services and the economic and social situation worldwide. Therefore, new diagnostic and therapeutic tools are urgently needed to allow for the early detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and appropriate treatment, which is crucial for the effective control of the COVID-19 disease. The ideal solution seems to be the use of aptamers—short fragments of nucleic acids, DNA or RNA—that can bind selected proteins with high specificity and affinity. They can be used in methods that base the reading of the test result on fluorescence phenomena, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical changes. Exploiting the properties of aptamers will enable the introduction of rapid, sensitive, specific, and low-cost tests for the routine diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Aptamers are excellent candidates for the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices and are potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of COVID-19. They can effectively block coronavirus activity in multiple fields by binding viral proteins and acting as carriers of therapeutic substances. In this review, we present recent developments in the design of various types of aptasensors to detect and treat the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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28
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Grabovenko F, Nikiforova L, Yanenko B, Ulitin A, Loktyushov E, Zatsepin T, Zavyalova E, Zvereva M. Glycosylation of Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein Influences on Binding to Immobilized DNA Aptamers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:557. [PMID: 35008982 PMCID: PMC8745424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers specific to S-protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2) virions are of high interest as potential inhibitors of viral infection and recognizing elements in biosensors. Development of specific therapy and biosensors is complicated by an emergence of new viral strains bearing amino acid substitutions and probable differences in glycosylation sites. Here, we studied affinity of a set of aptamers to two Wuhan-type RBD of S-protein expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cell line and Pichia pastoris that differ in glycosylation patterns. The expression system for the RBD protein has significant effects, both on values of dissociation constants and relative efficacy of the aptamer binding. We propose glycosylation of the RBD as the main force for observed differences. Moreover, affinity of a several aptamers was affected by a site of biotinylation. Thus, the robustness of modified aptamers toward new virus variants should be carefully tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedor Grabovenko
- Chemistry Department, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (F.G.); (L.N.); (T.Z.)
| | - Liudmila Nikiforova
- Chemistry Department, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (F.G.); (L.N.); (T.Z.)
| | - Bogdan Yanenko
- Biogenec Joint-Stock Company, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (B.Y.); (A.U.); (E.L.)
| | - Andrey Ulitin
- Biogenec Joint-Stock Company, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (B.Y.); (A.U.); (E.L.)
| | - Eugene Loktyushov
- Biogenec Joint-Stock Company, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (B.Y.); (A.U.); (E.L.)
| | - Timofei Zatsepin
- Chemistry Department, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (F.G.); (L.N.); (T.Z.)
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Zavyalova
- Chemistry Department, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (F.G.); (L.N.); (T.Z.)
| | - Maria Zvereva
- Chemistry Department, Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (F.G.); (L.N.); (T.Z.)
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29
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Hervey JRD, Freund N, Houlihan G, Dhaliwal G, Holliger P, Taylor AI. Efficient synthesis and replication of diverse sequence libraries composed of biostable nucleic acid analogues. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1209-1215. [PMID: 36320888 PMCID: PMC9533476 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00035k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional nucleic acids can be evolved in vitro using cycles of selection and amplification, starting from diverse-sequence libraries, which are typically restricted to natural or partially-modified polymer chemistries. Here, we describe the efficient DNA-templated synthesis and reverse transcription of libraries entirely composed of serum nuclease resistant alternative nucleic acid chemistries validated in nucleic acid therapeutics; locked nucleic acid (LNA), 2′-O-methyl-RNA (2′OMe-RNA), or mixtures of the two. We evaluate yield and diversity of synthesised libraries and measure the aggregate error rate of a selection cycle. We find that in addition to pure 2′-O-methyl-RNA and LNA, several 2′OMe-RNA/LNA blends seem suitable and promising for discovery of biostable functional nucleic acids for biomedical applications. Blends of engineered polymerases enable efficient DNA-templated synthesis and reverse transcription of diverse-sequence oligonucleotide libraries composed of locked nucleic acid (LNA), 2′-O-methyl-RNA (2′OMe-RNA), or mixtures of the two.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. D. Hervey
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Niklas Freund
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Gillian Houlihan
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Gurpreet Dhaliwal
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Philipp Holliger
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Alexander I. Taylor
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
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30
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Svobodova M, Skouridou V, Jauset-Rubio M, Viéitez I, Fernández-Villar A, Cabrera Alvargonzalez JJ, Poveda E, Bofill CB, Sans T, Bashammakh A, Alyoubi AO, O’Sullivan CK. Aptamer Sandwich Assay for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Antigen. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:35657-35666. [PMID: 34957366 PMCID: PMC8691202 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged at the end of 2019, resulting in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The high transmissibility of the virus and the substantial number of asymptomatic individuals have led to an exponential rise in infections worldwide, urgently requiring global containment strategies. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction is the gold standard for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Antigen tests, targeting the spike (S) or nucleocapsid (N) viral proteins, are considered as complementary tools. Despite their shortcomings in terms of sensitivity and specificity, antigen tests could be deployed for the detection of potentially contagious individuals with high viral loads. In this work, we sought to develop a sandwich aptamer-based assay for the detection of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. A detailed study on the binding properties of aptamers to the receptor-binding domain of the S protein in search of aptamer pairs forming a sandwich is presented. Screening of aptamer pairs and optimization of assay conditions led to the development of a laboratory-based sandwich assay able to detect 21 ng/mL (270 pM) of the protein with negligible cross-reactivity with the other known human coronaviruses. The detection of 375 pg of the protein in viral transport medium demonstrates the compatibility of the assay with clinical specimens. Finally, successful detection of the S antigen in nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from suspected patients further establishes the suitability of the assay for screening purposes as a complementary tool to assist in the control of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Svobodova
- INTERFIBIO
Research Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans
26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Vasso Skouridou
- INTERFIBIO
Research Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans
26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Miriam Jauset-Rubio
- INTERFIBIO
Research Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans
26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Irene Viéitez
- Rare
Diseases & Pediatric Medicine Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-Uvigo, Vigo 36213, Spain
| | - Alberto Fernández-Villar
- Pneumology
Service, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute
(IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-Uvigo, Vigo 36213, Spain
| | | | - Eva Poveda
- Group
of Virology and Pathogenesis, Galicia Sur
Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur)-Complexo Hospitalario
Universitario de Vigo, SERGAS-UVigo, Vigo 36213, Spain
| | - Clara Benavent Bofill
- Laboratori
Clinic ICS Camp de Tarragona, Hospital Universitari
de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Avda. Dr. Mallafré Guasch, 4, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Teresa Sans
- Laboratori
Clinic ICS Camp de Tarragona, Hospital Universitari
de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Avda. Dr. Mallafré Guasch, 4, Tarragona 43007, Spain
| | - Abdulaziz Bashammakh
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz
University, Jeddah 80215, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman O. Alyoubi
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz
University, Jeddah 80215, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ciara K. O’Sullivan
- INTERFIBIO
Research Group, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans
26, Tarragona 43007, Spain
- Institució
Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
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