Aptamer Selection And Utilization

Aptamers Are Short, Single-Stranded Oligonucleotides That Have Been Specifically Designed To Bind To A Wide Range Of Targets, Such As Small Molecules, Proteins, And Even Whole Cells. Aptamers Are Most Commonly Generated Through A Process Called Systematic Evolution Of Ligands By Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). This Process Involves The Random Generation Of Oligonucleotides (Comprising Of Nucleotide Building Blocks Such As A, G, U, And C) Which Are Then Subjected To A Number Of Natural Selection Cycles Using Specific Target Molecules. The Natural Selection Process Ensures That The Most Apt Pavilion (I.E.: Those With The Highest Tangential Force Between The Aptamer And Its Convergently Targeted Ligand) Remain In Each Cycle, Eventually Resulting In The Identification Of A Single, Specific Aptamer That Binds Its Intended Target With High Affinity And Specificity. Aptamers, As A Result Of Their Small Size And High Affinity, Provide Numerous Opportunities For The Use Of Chemical, Biological, And Physical Methods For Their Utilization. These Methods Can Be Broadly Divided Into Two Categories: External Selection And Internal Selection. External Selection Involves The Generation Of Aptamers Specifically Designed To Bind To A Target Outside Of The Body, Such As Small Molecules Or Proteins. Internal Selection Focuses On The Primary Use Of Aptamers Within The Body, Using Those Generated From Human Leukocyte Antigens (Hlas) To Target And Bind To Specific Antigens Located On Circulating Cells, Such As Cancer Cells.