Current Status and Challenges of Aptamers Screening and Optimization

Abstract

Background: Aptamers, consist of single-stranded DNA or RNA, have secondary and tertiary structures which could bind specifically to target molecules. They are characterized by strong specificity, high affinity, low molecular weight and low immunogenicity, so current researchs focuses on their potential as a targeted drug carrier, a diagnostic probes for diseases, or as a direct therapeutic drug. Objective: In this review, how to improve the success rate of adaptor screening and the optimization after screening are described. Results: For aptamer screening, the efficient selection strategy is needed. In this article, by analyzing key aspects of SELEX such as initial library design, screening procedures, truncation and modification after screening, providing a comprehensive analysis of each step which might meet obstacles in SELEX. ConclusioN: Aptamers, which possess the specificity and affinity with the target,can be serve as targeted drug carriers or biosensors for diagnosing disease. If the problems in the screening process in cell-SELEX technology, truncation and modification after screening be solved, it will have a broader prospect in application.