Abstract
Aptamers, single stranded DNA or RNA molecules, generated by a method called SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) have been widely used in various biomedical applications. The newly developed Cell-SELEX (cell based-SELEX) targeting whole living cells has raised great expectations for cancer biology, -therapy and regenerative medicine. Combining nanobiotechnology with aptamers, this technology opens the way to more sophisticated applications in molecular diagnosis. This paper gives a review of recent developments in SELEX technologies and new applications of aptamers.
Highlights
IntroductionSELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is a method to generate DNA or RNA ligands from a combinatorial library
SELEX is a method to generate DNA or RNA ligands from a combinatorial library
The first aptamer approved for use in man is a RNA-based molecule (Macugen, Pegaptanib) that is administered locally to treat age-related macular degeneration by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
Summary
SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is a method to generate DNA or RNA ligands from a combinatorial library. This oligonucleotide library consists of single stranded modified or unmodified RNA or DNA. Aptamers have promising advantages compared to antibodies: they can be produced and inexpensively and are simple to chemically modify and integrate into different analytical schemes. Aptamers can retain their binding and inhibitory behavior after immobilization on a carrier material [2] or after delivery into animals [3] and can be labeled with various functional groups [4]. These properties of aptamers have led to their application in many areas of biomedical sciences such as purification processes [5], target validation [6], drug development [7], diagnostics [8], MRI-based cell tracking [9] and even therapy [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
