Finding Aptamers for Human Thrombin Using New Methods
Author Information
Author(s): Kupakuwana Gillian V., Crill James E. II, McPike Mark P., Borer Philip N.
Primary Institution: Syracuse University
Hypothesis
Can over-representation of sequences in aptamer libraries and deep sequencing enable faster identification of aptamers?
Conclusion
The study shows that using over-representation and deep sequencing can significantly speed up the aptamer discovery process and improve the identification of high-affinity aptamers.
Supporting Evidence
- Aptamers can be produced at a lower cost than antibodies.
- The method allows for multiplexing of sequencing experiments.
- High affinity sequences were identified with a signal-to-noise ratio of roughly 10,000:1.
- Over-representation of sequences enables a more exhaustive search of the sequence space.
Takeaway
Scientists found a faster way to discover special molecules called aptamers that can stick to proteins, which can help in medicine.
Methodology
The study used a library of DNA sequences with a specific design to identify aptamers for human thrombin through deep sequencing.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in sequence representation due to library synthesis methods.
Limitations
The study may not account for all possible aptamer sequences due to the limitations of the library design.
Statistical Information
P-Value
12 nM for Thb1
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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