[Advancements in complex target systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment]

Abstract

Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that possess high affinity and specificity. They are also known as "chemical antibodies" and have a wide range of applications. Aptamers are usually generated by an in vitro process termed as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers are often selected by employing purified soluble protein targets. However, the process of protein purification can be complex and laborious. Furthermore, several protein targets, such as low abundance proteins found in serums and membrane proteins found in cells, are difficult to purify. Complex target SELEX can avoid the purification step and maintain the native state of the target proteins. Even in the absence of detailed composition and characterization of a complex target, complex target SELEX can be performed with a high throughput for obtaining specific aptamers. In this study, complex target SELEX taken unpurified biological samples as targets will be described in order to provide a new idea for researchers screening aptamers.

Keywords: complex targets; nucleic acid aptamers; review; screening; systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX).