FaptaSyme: A Strategy for Converting a Monomer/Oligomer‐Nonselective Aptameric Sensor into an Oligomer‐Selective One

Abstract

Aptameric sensors can bind molecular targets and produce output signals, a phenomenon that is used in bioassays. In some cases, it is important to distinguish between monomeric and oligomeric forms of a target. Here, we propose a strategy to convert a monomer/oligomer-nonselective sensor into an oligomer-selective sensor. We designed an aptazyme that produced a high fluorescent output in the presence of oligomeric α-synuclein (a molecular marker of Parkinson's disease) but not its monomeric form. The strategy is potentially useful in the design of point-of-care tests for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Functional Mammalian Amyloids and Amyloid-Like Proteins

“…In addition, they demonstrate an affinity to dyes such as CR, thioflavin T (ThT), and thioflavin S (ThS). Amyloids can also be detected with some amyloid-specific antibodies [ 3 ] or aptamers [ 4 ]. To date, 37 amyloidogenic proteins that are associated with about 70 different human diseases are known [ 5 ].…”

Catalytic Nucleic Acids for Bioanalysis

“…First, aptamers bind to various non-nucleotide ligands with high specificity and affinity, allowing activity regulation with various biomolecules. Meanwhile, appropriate structural design and diversity of integration enable conjugation of aptamers to DNAzyme without substantial changes of their structure and function. − More importantly, aptamers, in most cases, also efficiently inhibit the function of ligands when binding to them, making it possible to participate in the cell process by regulating the function of specific enzymes in vivo . , …”