Abstract Bacterial thiM riboswitches contain aptamer domains that bind the metabolite thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). Binding of TPP to the aptamer domain induces structural rearrangements that are relayed to the expression domain, thereby interfering with gene expression. Here, we report identification of three putative thiM riboswitches from different bacteria and analysis of their secondary st...

We report the in vitro selection of an RNA-based ATP aptamer with the ability to discriminate between adenosine ligands based on their 5' phosphorylation state. Previous selection of ATP aptamers yielded molecules that do not significantly discriminate between ligands at the 5' position. By applying a selective pressure that demands recognition of the 5' triphosphate, we obtained an aptamer tha...

Aptamers are nucleic acid molecules selected in vitro to bind small molecules, peptides, proteins or even other nucleic acids with high affinity and specificity. They offer a unique opportunity to extend our knowledge on the basic principles of nucleic acid architecture and ligand recognition. Despite their probable absence in organisms, RNA aptamers are likely to play an important role in mole...

PURPOSE To study target-specific delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) using an RNA aptamer against epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in retinoblastoma (RB) cells. METHODS The binding affinity of the EpCAM aptamer to RB primary tumor cells, Y79 and WERI-Rb1 cells, and Müller glial cell lines were evaluated with flow cytometry. Formation of physical conjugates of aptamer and Dox was monitored ...

The ability to selectively target disease-related tissues with molecules is critical to the design of effective therapeutic and diagnostic reagents. Recognizing the differences between the in vivo environment and in vitro conditions, we employed an in vivo selection strategy to identify RNA aptamers (targeting motifs) that could localize to tumor in situ. One of the selected molecules is an apt...

This paper demonstrates and systematically characterizes the enrichment of biomolecular compounds using aptamer-functionalized surfaces within a microfluidic device. The device consists of a microchamber packed with aptamer-functionalized microbeads and integrated with a microheater and temperature sensor to enable thermally controlled binding and release of biomolecules by the aptamer. We firs...

Recently, specific attention has been paid to aptamers, short DNA or RNA, as a tool for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In the present study MCS nanogels were prepared by Myristate: chitosan at 1:9 ratio and were characterized by several techniques. A selected ssDNA aptamer(Apt) capable of detecting LNCaP cells was linked to Myristilated chitosan nanogels (Apt-MCS) by glutaraldehyde and loaded wi...

Aptamers recognize their targets with extraordinary affinity and specificity. The aptamer-based therapeutic, Macugen, is derived from a modified 2'fluoro pyrimidine RNA inhibitor to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and is now being used to treat the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. This VEGF(165) aptamer binds specifically to the VEGF(165) isoform, a dimeric protein with a...

The human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) genome contains multiple, highly conserved structural RNA domains that play key roles in essential viral processes. Interference with the function of these RNA domains either by disrupting their structures or by blocking their interaction with viral or cellular factors may seriously compromise HIV-1 viability. RNA aptamers are amongst the most pro...

Recently, specific attention has been paid to aptamers, short DNA or RNA, as a tool for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In the present study MCS nanogels were prepared by Myristate: chitosan at 1:9 ratio and were characterized by several techniques. A selected ssDNA aptamer(Apt) capable of detecting LNCaP cells was linked to Myristilated chitosan nanogels (Apt-MCS) by glutaraldehyde and loaded wi...