Aptamers as Promising Molecular Recognition Elements for Diagnostics and Therapeutics in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Oligonucleotide aptamers are short, synthetic, single-stranded DNA or RNA able to recognize and bind to a multitude of targets ranging from small molecules to cells. Aptamers have emerged as valuable tools for fundamental research, clinical diagnosis, and therapy. Due to their small size, strong target affinity, lack of immunogenicity, and ease of chemical modification, aptamers are an attractive alternative to other molecular recognition elements, such as antibodies. Although it is a challenging environment, the central nervous system and related molecular targets present an exciting potential area for aptamer research. Aptamers hold promise for targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Here we review recent advances in aptamer research for neurotransmitter and neurotoxin targets, demyelinating disease and spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular disorders, pathologies related to protein aggregation (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prions), brain cancer (glioblastomas and gliomas), and regulation of receptor function. Challenges and limitations posed by the blood brain barrier are described. Future perspectives for the application of aptamers to the central nervous system are also discussed.

Getting into the brain: liposome-based strategies for effective drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier

“…73,74 Although actively targeted brain drug delivery has improved the crossing of nanoparticles into the brain, additional properties can be included in liposomal systems to enhance the delivery of drugs at the targeted site in response to specific stimuli, such as variations in temperature, magnetic field, ultrasound intensity, or changes in pH. For example, recent reports introduced the concept of magnetic liposomes as a targeting moiety for delivering of therapeutic molecules …”

Aptamer: A Novel Therapeutic Oligonucleotide

“…Systemically designed Aptamer can specifically bind to target protein and alter its action. Aptamers are reported for detection of dopamine and treatment of schizophrenia [17,20]. Botulinum toxin is one of the most devastating toxin reported.…”

“…Botulinum toxin is one of the most devastating toxin reported. DNA and RNA aptamers have been designed to inhibit the toxicity of Botulinum toxin [18][19][20].…”

“…Botulinum toxin is one of the most devastating toxin reported. DNA and RNA aptamers have been designed to inhibit the toxicity of Botulinum toxin [18][19][20].In various disease conditions, proteins play an important role as a mediator. α-Thrombin is involved in the thrombus formation by enzymatic cleavage of two sites of Prothrombin by activated Factor X (Xa) in the clotting process.…”

Current Advances and Prospects on Implementation of Highly Sensitive Aptamer-based Dual System for Melamine Detection: New Promising Tool of Great Affinity

“…For decades, toxins became problematic to food safety and aptamer based techniques have been developed for the detection of toxin like Ochratoxin A with DNA aptamer [95]. Currently, Ochratoxin A has also been detected using electrochemical aptasensor [96], aflatoxins [97][98][99][100], neurotoxins [101] such as botulinum [102,103], antibiotics [104][105][106][107] as well as pesticides such as nitenpyram, chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid [108].…”