J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Jun;10(6):BE01-6. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/18712.7922. Epub 2016 Jun 01.
Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR
Abhishek Parashar
PMID: 27504277 PMCID: PMC4963637 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/18712.7922
Aptamers are single strand DNA or RNA molecules, selected by an iterative process known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Due to various advantages of aptamers such as high temperature stability, animal free, cost effective production and its high affinity and selectivity for its target make them attractive alternatives to monoclonal antibody for use in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Aptamer has been generated against vesicular endothelial growth factor 165 involved in age related macular degeneracy. Macugen was the first FDA approved aptamer based drug that was commercialized. Later other aptamers were also developed against blood clotting proteins, cancer proteins, antibody E, agents involved in diabetes nephropathy, autoantibodies involved in autoimmune disorders, etc. Aptamers have also been developed against viruses and could work with other antiviral agents in treating infections.
Keywords: Aptamer; Cancer; Diabetes nephropathy; Macugen; SELEX