Recognition of biomarkers and cell‐specific molecular signatures: Aptamers as capture agents

Abstract

RNA and DNA aptamers developed by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) have turned into important tools in diagnostics, research, and therapeutics. Unlike antibodies, high-affinity and specific aptamers identified through an in vitro selection process can be chemically modified to gain nuclease resistances in biological fluids and to extend their bioavailability in animals. Aptamers can be raised against virtually any target including those which are toxic or do not elicit any immune response in animals. They can be developed in automated processes against various protein targets and then easily modified by attaching fluorescence reporters, nanoparticles or biotin moieties, rival antibodies in high-throughput proteomics and cell separations. In this review, we will discuss the high competence of aptamers in recognizing biomarkers and molecular signatures of cell surfaces, and how these unique features can be exploited for the identification and isolation of cancer, stem cells and even detection of parasite-infected cells.

Bioanalytical chemistry of cytokines – A review

“…This chemical stability allows apatmers to be reused numerous times. Aptamers are created by a process known as SELEX [133, 134]. There has been a recent emerging interest in using aptamers for various proteomics applications as selection agents [135, 136].…”

Drug Discovery by Aptamers in Protozoan Infectious Diseases

“…Aptamers are able to identify individual epitopes within a complex mixture of potential targets and can also be used for ligand-mediated target purification (Nery et al, 2009, Ulrich and. It has been demonstrated that aptamers evolved against human membrane proteins bind specifically to previously unidentified target proteins (Morris et al, 1998).…”

Current strategies and challenges for the purification of stem cells

“…These unique binding features will help detect minimal differences in molecular signatures of stem cells and differentiated cells more precisely. 57 Aptamers could be bound to polymeric matrices or magnetic beads potentiating the affinity of the nanoparticle conjugates, diminishing the amount of magnetic markers required in large scale separation, improving current technologies and reducing the costs associated with increased amount of antibodies. 58 …”