administration in animals was successfully performed, using whole-body PET
imaging modality [99].
Single gamma emitters, such as technetium-99, gallium-67, and indium-111
radiolabeled aptamers, have been investigated for SPECT imaging [69, 100, 101].
Hence, PET and SPECT aptamer probes have shown promising results, whereas
experience in this imaging modalities is a powerful base to enhance their development. Aptamers constitute molecules versatile enough for this kind of imaging
modality, and their in vivo properties are perceived with high expectations in this
field.
4 Summary
Precision diagnostics and personalized medicine are the goals of the new century.
The benefits of diagnostics with aptamers include directly measuring the activity of
target molecules for the early detection of pathology, changes in therapy responses,
and detecting metastases in cancer. Indeed, market demand of biotechnological
advancements in diagnostics provides the basis for aptamer developments. Consequently, the significant increase in aptamer development is clearly visible over the
past decades, with strong research and patents.
However, the successful use of aptamers is still a challenge while overcoming
antibodies in the marketplace, which are their main competitor. The expiration of the
SELEX patent will be allowing the advance of aptamers as well. Currently, the
industry is more concentrated on aptasensor development, which is expected due to a
more direct translation from the use of antibodies. For molecular imaging, aptamers
have unique properties and are ideal to create a wide range of probes. In vivo
diagnostic approaches need more efforts comparable to therapeutics for biological
effectiveness and assurance. Nevertheless, aptamers are molecules with remarkable
potential and versatility, and their future success is only a matter of time.
References
1. Ellington A, Szostak J (1990) In vitro selection of RNA molecules that bind specific ligands.
Nature 346:818–822
2. Tuerk C, Gold L (1990) Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment: RNA
ligands to bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase. Science 249:505–510
3. Bayat P, Nosrati R, Alibolandi M et al (2018) SELEX methods on the road to protein targeting
with nucleic acid aptamers. Biochimie 154:132–155
4. Mayer G (2009) The chemical biology of aptamers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 48:2672–2689
5. Xiang D, Zheng C, Zhou S et al (2015) Superior performance of aptamer in tumor penetration
over antibody: implication of aptamer-based theranostics in solid tumors. Theranostics
5:1083–1097
6. Zhang Y, Lai B, Juhas M (2019) Recent advances in aptamer discovery and applications.
Molecules 24:e941
156
V. Calzada
imaging modality [99].
Single gamma emitters, such as technetium-99, gallium-67, and indium-111
radiolabeled aptamers, have been investigated for SPECT imaging [69, 100, 101].
Hence, PET and SPECT aptamer probes have shown promising results, whereas
experience in this imaging modalities is a powerful base to enhance their development. Aptamers constitute molecules versatile enough for this kind of imaging
modality, and their in vivo properties are perceived with high expectations in this
field.
4 Summary
Precision diagnostics and personalized medicine are the goals of the new century.
The benefits of diagnostics with aptamers include directly measuring the activity of
target molecules for the early detection of pathology, changes in therapy responses,
and detecting metastases in cancer. Indeed, market demand of biotechnological
advancements in diagnostics provides the basis for aptamer developments. Consequently, the significant increase in aptamer development is clearly visible over the
past decades, with strong research and patents.
However, the successful use of aptamers is still a challenge while overcoming
antibodies in the marketplace, which are their main competitor. The expiration of the
SELEX patent will be allowing the advance of aptamers as well. Currently, the
industry is more concentrated on aptasensor development, which is expected due to a
more direct translation from the use of antibodies. For molecular imaging, aptamers
have unique properties and are ideal to create a wide range of probes. In vivo
diagnostic approaches need more efforts comparable to therapeutics for biological
effectiveness and assurance. Nevertheless, aptamers are molecules with remarkable
potential and versatility, and their future success is only a matter of time.
References
1. Ellington A, Szostak J (1990) In vitro selection of RNA molecules that bind specific ligands.
Nature 346:818–822
2. Tuerk C, Gold L (1990) Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment: RNA
ligands to bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase. Science 249:505–510
3. Bayat P, Nosrati R, Alibolandi M et al (2018) SELEX methods on the road to protein targeting
with nucleic acid aptamers. Biochimie 154:132–155
4. Mayer G (2009) The chemical biology of aptamers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 48:2672–2689
5. Xiang D, Zheng C, Zhou S et al (2015) Superior performance of aptamer in tumor penetration
over antibody: implication of aptamer-based theranostics in solid tumors. Theranostics
5:1083–1097
6. Zhang Y, Lai B, Juhas M (2019) Recent advances in aptamer discovery and applications.
Molecules 24:e941
156
V. Calzada