Abstract
Aptamers that are evolved by the SELEX procedure (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) can specifically recognize and tightly bind their cognate targets by means of well-defined secondary and three-dimensional structures. In comparison to antibodies, nucleic acid-based aptamers offer some exciting advantages, including the potential for chemical synthesis, convenient modification, chemical versatility, stability and lack of immunogenicity. During the past 20 years, aptamers have been developed for various applications such as diagnostics, drug development, target validation and therapeutics. Aptamers targeting cell surface proteins are being explored as promising delivery vehicles to target a distinct disease or tissue in a cell-type-specific manner. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in creatively using cell-internalizing aptamers as drug delivery escorts to deliver, enhance and modulate the activity of other therapeutic agents, including chemical drugs, toxins, small interfering RNAs and nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs. Specifically, several attractive aptamer-mediated cell-type specific siRNA delivery systems are highlighted, and their promise in clinical development is also discussed.
Keywords: SELEX, cell-internalizing aptamer, escort aptamer, targeting delivery, cell-type specific delivery system, small interfering RNA, RNA interference
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Title: The Therapeutic Potential of Cell-Internalizing Aptamers
Volume: 9 Issue: 12
Author(s): Jiehua Zhou and John J. Rossi
Affiliation:
Keywords: SELEX, cell-internalizing aptamer, escort aptamer, targeting delivery, cell-type specific delivery system, small interfering RNA, RNA interference
Abstract: Aptamers that are evolved by the SELEX procedure (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) can specifically recognize and tightly bind their cognate targets by means of well-defined secondary and three-dimensional structures. In comparison to antibodies, nucleic acid-based aptamers offer some exciting advantages, including the potential for chemical synthesis, convenient modification, chemical versatility, stability and lack of immunogenicity. During the past 20 years, aptamers have been developed for various applications such as diagnostics, drug development, target validation and therapeutics. Aptamers targeting cell surface proteins are being explored as promising delivery vehicles to target a distinct disease or tissue in a cell-type-specific manner. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in creatively using cell-internalizing aptamers as drug delivery escorts to deliver, enhance and modulate the activity of other therapeutic agents, including chemical drugs, toxins, small interfering RNAs and nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs. Specifically, several attractive aptamer-mediated cell-type specific siRNA delivery systems are highlighted, and their promise in clinical development is also discussed.
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Cite this article as:
Zhou Jiehua and Rossi J. John, The Therapeutic Potential of Cell-Internalizing Aptamers, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 9 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156802609789630893
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156802609789630893 |
Print ISSN 1568-0266 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4294 |
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