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Aptamers—basic research, drug development, and clinical applications

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Abstract

Since its discovery in the early 1990s, aptamer technology has progressed tremendously. Automated selection procedures now allow rapid identification of DNA and RNA sequences that can target a broad range of extra- and intracellular proteins with nanomolar affinities and high specificities. The unique binding properties of nucleic acids, which are amenable to various modifications, make aptamers perfectly suitable for different areas of biotechnology. Moreover, the approval of an aptamer for vascular endothelial growth factor by the US Food and Drug Administration highlights the potential of aptamers for therapeutic applications. This review summarizes recent developments and demonstrates that aptamers are valuable tools for diagnostics, purification processes, target validation, drug discovery, and even therapeutic approaches.

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Acknowledgement

We thank Dr. Andreas Jenne and Dr. Michael Blind for providing valuable comments to the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NascaCell IP GmbH, 3. OG, Modul D Max-Lebsche-Platz, 3181377, Munich, Germany

    Daniela Proske, Michael Blank & Ansgar Resch

  2. GSF—National Research Center for Environment and Health, Munich, Germany

    Raymund Buhmann

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  1. Daniela Proske
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  2. Michael Blank
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  3. Raymund Buhmann
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  4. Ansgar Resch
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Correspondence to Daniela Proske.

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Proske, D., Blank, M., Buhmann, R. et al. Aptamers—basic research, drug development, and clinical applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 69, 367–374 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-005-0193-5

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