In Vitro Selection of RNA Aptamers Directed Against Protein E: A Haemophilus influenzae Adhesin

Protein E (PE) of Haemophilus influenzae is a highly conserved ubiquitous surface protein involved in adhesion to and activation of epithelial cells. The host proteins—vitronectin, laminin, and plasminogen are major targets for PE-dependent interactions with the host. To identify novel inhibitory molecules of PE, we used an in vitro selection method based on systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment known as SELEX in order to select 2′F-modified RNA aptamers that specifically bind to PE. Fourteen selection cycles were performed with decreasing concentrations of PE. Sequencing of clones from the 14th selection round revealed the presence of semiconserved sequence motifs in loop regions of the RNA aptamers. Among these, three aptamers showed the highest affinity to PE in electrophoretic mobility shift assays and in dot blots. These three aptamers also inhibited the interaction of PE with vitronectin as revealed by ELISA. Moreover, pre-treatment of H. influenzae with the aptamers significantly inhibited binding of vitronectin to the bacterial surface. Biacore experiments indicated that one of the aptamers had a higher binding affinity for PE as compared to the other aptamers. Our results show that it is possible to select RNA inhibitors against bacterial adhesins using SELEX in order to inhibit interactions with target proteins.     

Rapid identification of cell-specific, internalizing RNA aptamers with bioinformatics analyses of a cell-based aptamer selection

BackgroundThe broad applicability of RNA aptamers as cell-specific delivery tools for therapeutic reagents depends on the ability to identify aptamer sequences that selectively access the cytoplasm of distinct cell types. Towards this end, we have developed a novel approach that combines a cell-based selection method (cell-internalization SELEX) with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and bioinformatics analyses to rapidly identify cell-specific, internalization-competent RNA aptamers.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We demonstrate the utility of this approach by enriching for RNA aptamers capable of selective internalization into vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Several rounds of positive (VSMCs) and negative (endothelial cells; ECs) selection were performed to enrich for aptamer sequences that preferentially internalize into VSMCs. To identify candidate RNA aptamer sequences, HTS data from each round of selection were analyzed using bioinformatics methods: (1) metrics of selection enrichment; and (2) pairwise comparisons of sequence and structural similarity, termed edit and tree distance, respectively. Correlation analyses of experimentally validated aptamers or rounds revealed that the best cell-specific, internalizing aptamers are enriched as a result of the negative selection step performed against ECs.

Conclusions and Significance

We describe a novel approach that combines cell-internalization SELEX with HTS and bioinformatics analysis to identify cell-specific, cell-internalizing RNA aptamers. Our data highlight the importance of performing a pre-clear step against a non-target cell in order to select for cell-specific aptamers. We expect the extended use of this approach to enable the identification of aptamers to a multitude of different cell types, thereby facilitating the broad development of targeted cell therapies.     

A sol-gel-based microfluidics system enhances the efficiency of RNA aptamer selection

RNA and DNA aptamers that bind to target molecules with high specificity and affinity have been a focus of diagnostics and therapeutic research. These aptamers are obtained by SELEX often requiring many rounds of selection and amplification. Recently, we have shown the efficient binding and elution of RNA aptamers against target proteins using a microfluidic chip that incorporates 5 sol-gel binding droplets within which specific target proteins are imbedded. Here, we demonstrate that our microfluidic chip in a SELEX experiment greatly improved selection efficiency of RNA aptamers to TATA-binding protein, reducing the number of selection cycles needed to produce high affinity aptamers by about 80%. Many aptamers were identical or homologous to those isolated previously by conventional filter-binding SELEX. The microfluidic chip SELEX is readily scalable using a sol-gel microarray-based target multiplexing. Additionally, we show that sol-gel embedded protein arrays can be used as a high-throughput assay for quantifying binding affinities of aptamers.     

RNA and DNA aptamers in cytomics analysis.

BACKGROUND: The systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technique is a combinatorial library approach in which DNA or RNA molecules (aptamers) are selected by their ability to bind their protein targets with high affinity and specificity, comparable to that of monoclonal antibodies. In contrast to antibodies conventionally selected in animals, aptamers are generated by an in vitro selection process, and can be directed against almost every target, including antigens like toxins or nonimmunogenic targets, against which conventional antibodies cannot be raised. METHODS: Aptamers are ideal candidates for cytomics, as they can be attached to fluorescent reporters or nanoparticles in order to study biological function by fluorescence microscopy, by flow cytometry, or to quantify the concentration of their target in biological fluids or cells using ELISA, RIA, and Western blot assays. RESULTS: We demonstrate the in vitro selection of anti-kinin B1 receptor aptamers that could be used to determine B1 receptor expression during inflammation processes. These aptamers specifically recognize their target in a Northern-Western blot assay, and bind to their target protein whenever they are exposed in the membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, aptamers are linked to fluorescent reporters. We discuss here the present status and future directions concerning the use of the SELEX technique in cytomics.     

A designed RNA selection: establishment of a stable complex between a target and selectant RNA via two coordinated interactions

In this paper, we describe a new method for selecting RNA aptamers that cooperatively bind to two specific sites within a target RNA. We designed a selection system in which two RNAs, a target RNA and a RNA pool, were assembled by employing a pre-organized GAAA tetraloop-11-nt receptor interaction. This allows us to select the binding sequence against a targeted internal loop as well as a linker region optimized for binding of the two binding sites. After the selection, the aptamers bound with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range, thereby forming a stable complex with the target RNA. Thus this method enables identification of aptamers for a specific binding site together with a linker for cooperative binding of the two RNAs. It appears that our new method can be applied generally to select RNAs that adhere tightly to a target RNA via two specific sites. The method can also be applicable for further engineering of both natural and artificial RNAs.     

A screening method for DNA aptamers that bind to␣a␣specific, unidentified protein in tissue samples

Aptamers are oligonucleotide ligands with a high affinity to, and specificity for, various target molecules and they are expected to be powerful tools for proteomic analysis. To select aptamers that bind to a specific unidentified protein in tissues for protein analysis, a screening method was developed using chicken skeletal muscle as a model. Target proteins in the target mixture were separated by electrophoresis and transferred to a membrane, and a DNA library was added onto it. The aptamers that bound to the target protein were visualized by chemiluminescence and collected by cutting out the visualized band. The specific aptamers to the target protein were selected by only one round of selection using this screening, suggesting this screening method might be useful for selecting aptamers for proteome analysis.     

Aptamers: versatile probes for flow cytometry

Aptamers are nucleic acid oligomers with distinct conformational shapes that allow them to bind targets with high affinity and specificity. Aptamers are selected from a random oligonucleotide library by their capability to bind a certain molecular target. A variety of targets ranging from small molecules like amino acids to complex targets and whole cells have been used to select aptamers. These characteristics and the ability to create specific aptamers against virtually any cell type in a process termed “systematic evolution by exponential enrichment” make them interesting tools for flow cytometry. In this contribution, we review the application of aptamers as probes for flow cytometry, especially cell-phenotyping and detection of various cancer cell lines and virus-infected cells and pathogens. We also discuss the potential of aptamers combined with nanoparticles such as quantum dots for the generation of new multivalent detector molecules with enhanced affinity and sensitivity. With regard to recent advancements in aptamer selection and the decreasing costs for oligonucleotide synthesis, aptamers may rise as potent competitors for antibodies as molecular probes in flow cytometry.     

In vitro selection of hematoporphyrin binding DNA aptamers

DNA aptamers that bind to hematoporphyrin IX (HPIX) were isolated using an in vitro selection technique. Most aptamers obtained after the 7th and 10th rounds contained guanine-rich sequences. Binding assay using fluorescence polarization technique and structural analysis by CD spectra revealed that the parallel guanine-quartet structure of the aptamer participates in the recognition of HPIX.     

In silico selection of RNA aptamers

In vitro selection of RNA aptamers that bind to a specific ligand usually begins with a random pool of RNA sequences. We propose a computational approach for designing a starting pool of RNA sequences for the selection of RNA aptamers for specific analyte binding. Our approach consists of three steps: (i) selection of RNA sequences based on their secondary structure, (ii) generating a library of three-dimensional (3D) structures of RNA molecules and (iii) high-throughput virtual screening of this library to select aptamers with binding affinity to a desired small molecule. We developed a set of criteria that allows one to select a sequence with potential binding affinity from a pool of random sequences and developed a protocol for RNA 3D structure prediction. As verification, we tested the performance of in silico selection on a set of six known aptamer–ligand complexes. The structures of the native sequences for the ligands in the testing set were among the top 5% of the selected structures. The proposed approach reduces the RNA sequences search space by four to five orders of magnitude—significantly accelerating the experimental screening and selection of high-affinity aptamers.     

G-quadruplex DNA aptamers generated for systemin

Ligands specific to bioactive molecules play important roles in biomedical researches and applications, such as biological assay, diagnosis and therapy. Systemin is a peptide hormone firstly identified in plant. In this paper we report the selection of a group of DNA aptamers that can specifically bind to systemin. Through comparing the predicted secondary structures of all the aptamers, a hairpin structure with G-rich loop was determined to be the binding motif of these aptamers. The G-rich loop region of this binding motif was further characterized to fold into an antiparallel G-quadruplex by truncation-mutation assay and CD spectrum. The apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (K(d)) of one strong binding sequence (S-5-1) was measured to be 0.5 μM. The specificity assay shows that S-5-1 strongly bind to whole systemin, weakly bind to truncated or mutated systemin and does not bind to the scrambled peptide with the same amino acid composition as systemin. The high affinity and specificity make S-5-1 hold potentials to serve as a molecular ligand applied in detection, separation and functional investigation of systemin in plants.     

Selection of DNA aptamers against VEGF<Subscript>165</Subscript> using a protein competitor and the aptamer blotting method

Two DNA aptamers against a tumor marker protein, human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF₁₆₅) were identified. In the screening process, another protein was used as the competitor to isolate those aptamers that have high specificity for the target. In addition, we evaluated the affinities of the enriched library by means of aptamer blotting. The isolated aptamers bound to VEGF₁₆₅ with a K _d value in the range of a few hundred nanomoles, and did not bind to the competitor. This selection method enabled us to efficiently select the specific aptamers against the target protein. These specific aptamers would be useful sensor elements for cancer diagnosis.     

肝脏去唾液酸糖蛋白受体特异性RNA适配子的SELEX筛选与鉴定

目的获得能够特异性高亲和力结合肝脏特异性去唾液酸糖蛋白受体（asialoglycoprotein receptor,ASGPR）的RNA适配子,为开发诊断和治疗肝脏疾病的靶向性试剂和药物奠定基础。方法合成一个长度为115nt含有25个随机序列的单链DNA随机文库,通过体外转录构建出单链RNA适配子随机文库,以肝脏ASGPR大亚基为靶蛋白,采用SELEX（systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment）技术筛选具有高亲和力的AsGPR特异性RNA适配子;通过膜结合测定实验、凝胶阻滞实验鉴定筛选适配子对靶蛋白的特异性和亲和力。结果经过12轮筛选获得了具有高亲和力的肝脏ASGPR特异性RNA适配子。结论成功地筛选出了具有离亲和力的肝脏ASGPR特异性RNA适配子库。     

A Method for Selecting Structure-switching Aptamers Applied to a Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Assay

Small molecules provide rich targets for biosensing applications due to their physiological implications as biomarkers of various aspects of human health and performance. Nucleic acid aptamers have been increasingly applied as recognition elements on biosensor platforms, but selecting aptamers toward small molecule targets requires special design considerations. This work describes modification and critical steps of a method designed to select structure-switching aptamers to small molecule targets. Binding sequences from a DNA library hybridized to complementary DNA capture probes on magnetic beads are separated from nonbinders via a target-induced change in conformation. This method is advantageous because sequences binding the support matrix (beads) will not be further amplified, and it does not require immobilization of the target molecule. However, the melting temperature of the capture probe and library is kept at or slightly above RT, such that sequences that dehybridize based on thermodynamics will also be present in the supernatant solution. This effectively limits the partitioning efficiency (ability to separate target binding sequences from nonbinders), and therefore many selection rounds will be required to remove background sequences. The reported method differs from previous structure-switching aptamer selections due to implementation of negative selection steps, simplified enrichment monitoring, and extension of the length of the capture probe following selection enrichment to provide enhanced stringency. The selected structure-switching aptamers are advantageous in a gold nanoparticle assay platform that reports the presence of a target molecule by the conformational change of the aptamer. The gold nanoparticle assay was applied because it provides a simple, rapid colorimetric readout that is beneficial in a clinical or deployed environment. Design and optimization considerations are presented for the assay as proof-of-principle work in buffer to provide a foundation for further extension of the work toward small molecule biosensing in physiological fluids.     

Structural determinants of conformationally selective, prion-binding aptamers

We have recently described the isolation of 2'-fluoropyrimidine-substituted RNA aptamers that bind selectively to disease-associated beta-sheet-rich forms of the prion protein, PrP, from a number of mammalian species. These aptamers inhibit the accumulation of protease-resistant forms of PrP in a prion-seeded, in vitro conversion assay. Here we identify the minimal portions of two of these aptamers that retain binding specificity. We determine their secondary structures by a combination of modeling and solution probing. Finally, we identify an internal site for biotinylation of a minimized, synthetic aptamer and use the resultant reagent in the detection of abnormal forms of PrP in vitro.     

Selection of RNA aptamers against human influenza virus hemagglutinin using surface plasmon resonance

Aptamers are functional nucleic acids possessing high affinity and specificity to their cognate ligands and are isolated from a library of nucleic acids by iterative rounds of selection and amplification. In the current study, we used surface plasmon resonance (Biacore) as an efficient methodology for selecting aptamers that bind to hemagglutinin (HA) of human influenza virus. This procedure allowed us to monitor and select the target-bound aptamers specifically and simultaneously. These studies not only yielded an aptamer that binds to the HA of influenza virus with high affinity but also revealed the consensus sequence, 5'-GUCGNCNU(N)(2-3)GUA-3, for HA recognition.     

Combinatorial Library of Improved Peptide Aptamers,CLIPs to Inhibit RAGE Signal Transduction in Mammalian Cells

Peptide aptamers are small proteins containing a randomized peptide sequence embedded into a stable protein scaffold, such as Thioredoxin. We developed a robust method for building a Combinatorial Library of Improved Peptide aptamers (CLIPs) of high complexity, containing ≥3×10¹⁰ independent clones, to be used as a molecular tool in the study of biological pathways. The Thioredoxin scaffold was modified to increase solubility and eliminate aggregation of the peptide aptamers. The CLIPs was used in a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify peptide aptamers that bind to various domains of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE). NMR spectroscopy was used to identify interaction surfaces between the peptide aptamers and RAGE domains. Cellular functional assays revealed that in addition to directly interfering with known binding sites, peptide aptamer binding distal to ligand sites also inhibits RAGE ligand-induced signal transduction. This finding underscores the potential of using CLIPs to select allosteric inhibitors of biological targets.     

Assays for cytokines using aptamers

Aptamers are short nucleic acid sequences that are used as ligands to bind their targets with high affinity. They are generated via the combinatorial chemistry procedure systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers have shown much promise towards detection of a variety of protein targets, including cytokines. Specifically, for the determination of cytokines and growth factors, several assays making use of aptamers have been developed, including aptamer-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, antibody-linked oligonucleotide assay, fluorescence (anisotropy and resonance energy transfer) assays, and proximity ligation assays. In this article, the concept of aptamer selection using SELEX and the assay formats using aptamers for the detection of cytokines are discussed.     

用于未纯化蛋白样品核酸适配体筛选的Western印迹-SELEX筛选技术的建立

目的:建立一种基于Western印迹的指数式富集的配体系统进化(SELEX)技术,用于未纯化蛋白样品核酸适配体筛选。方法:将目的蛋白经SDS-PAGE分离后转移到PVDF膜上,用生物素标记的ss DNA与PVDF膜上的蛋白共同孵育,获得能与靶蛋白特异结合的适配体,最后通过生物素-链霉亲和素-辣根过氧化物酶系统、基因克隆测序、MEME在线软件和RNAstructure软件分析适配体的一、二级结构,并对筛选得到的适配体进行鉴定。结果:经过4轮筛选,获得了能特异识别靶蛋白而不识别无关蛋白的适配体,原库Gp45则与上述蛋白均没有结合。结论:建立了Western印迹-SELEX技术,可用于未纯化蛋白样品核酸适配体筛选。     

Dissection of the functional structure of aptamer17, which specifically recognizes differentiated PC12 cells

A specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer (aptamer17) that specifically recognizes differentiated PC12 cells had been previously obtained after 6 rounds of whole cell-based subtractive systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment selection from a random ssDNA library. To further investigate the relationship between the structure and function of this aptamer, 3 truncated ssDNA aptamers were designed according to the predicted secondary structure of aptamer17. Our results show that the stem-loop is the core structure of the aptamers required for specific binding to differentiated PC12 cells, specifically loops I and II. Aptamer17 and the truncated aptamers with this basic structure could bind specifically to differentiated PC12 cells and identify these cells from a mixture of differentiated and undifferentiated PC12 cells. Therefore, truncated forms of aptamer17 may be useful in the clinic to identify undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells from a mixture of cells.