Challenges and Opportunities for Small Molecule Aptamer Development. (17th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKeague, Maureen; DeRosa, Maria C.
• Other Names: Kuwahara Masayasu Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nucleic acids. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-09-17
• Subjects: Nucleic acids -- Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/748913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-0201

Abstract

Abstract : Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to targets with high affinity and selectivity. Their use as molecular recognition elements has emerged as a viable approach for biosensing, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Despite this potential, relatively few aptamers exist that bind to small molecules. Small molecules are important targets for investigation due to their diverse biological functions as well as their clinical and commercial uses. Novel, effective molecular recognition probes for these compounds are therefore of great interest. This paper will highlight the technical challenges of aptamer development for small molecule targets, as well as the opportunities that exist for their application in biosensing and chemical biology.