Bimodular thrombin aptamers with two types of non-covalent locks

Abstract

Aptamers are structured oligonucleotides that specifically bind their targets. Oligonucleotides can be assembled in large nanostructures via intermolecular duplexes or G-quadruplexes. Addition of aptamers can be used to create nanostructures that bind specifically certain targets. Here two types of self-assembling locks were used to create bimodular aptamer constructions. Well-known aptamer to thrombin was chosen as a model object. The assembly of duplex locks was more efficient at low concentrations. The functional activity of aptamer modules was nearly the same as in HD1. However, the affinity of bimodular aptamers with G-quadruplex locks to immobilized thrombin was 5-10 times higher.

Keywords:

• Aptamer
• DNA nanoconstruction
• G-quadruplex
• non-covalent lock
• thrombin

Acknowledgments

The SE-HPLC experiments with an Agilent 1200 HPLC system (USA) was conducted with the support of University Development Program [PNR 5.13]. We thank Dr. Sonja Bulk (Forte-Bio, USA) for the affinity experiments with an Octet from Forte-Bio (USA). The study was supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant# 16-03-00136 A).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The SE-HPLC experiments with an Agilent 1200 HPLC system (USA) was conducted with the support of University Development Program [PNR 5.13]. We thank Dr. Sonja Bulk (Forte-Bio, USA) for the affinity experiments with an Octet from Forte-Bio (USA). The study was supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant# 16-03-00136 A).