What is RNA aptamer?
RNA Aptamers are defined as RNA oligonucleotides that bind to a specific target with high affinity and specificity, similarly to how an antibody binds to an antigen. Furthermore, nucleic acids such as RNAs are generally considered to be more thermodynamically stable than peptides or antibodies.
What are aptamers used for?
In addition to facilitating biomarker identification, such aptamers can be directly used for cell isolation, cell visualization, and tracking cells in vivo. They can also be used to modulate activities of cell receptors and deliver different agents (e.g., siRNA and drugs) into the cells.
What is RNA mango?
The most advanced RNA tracking, visualization and pull down technology. The main features of this technology is the tight binding between the dye and aptamer (KD ≈ 3nM) , and the strong ~1000X enhancement of the dye’s fluorescence when bound to the Mango aptamer (Fluorescent enhancement FE=1,100). …
Is RNA a fluorescent?
RNA itself is not fluorescent, so the trick is to design a short RNA that can bind to a fluorophore (a small fluorescent molecule) and enhance its fluorescence.
How does an aptamer work?
It works by isolating sequences with increased affinity and specificity to a target molecule from an oligo sequence pool through several rounds of selection. The library is incubated with the selected target molecule. DNA or RNA molecules that bind to the target are prospective aptamers for that target.
How does aptamer bind to target?
Properties of Aptamers Stable tertiary structure, resulting from combinations of these secondary structures, allows aptamers to bind to targets via van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions.
How do you visualize RNA in living cells?
RNA may be seen via hybridization of a reporter molecule, most commonly through FISH or variations thereof. Alternatively, RNA-binding proteins that bind specific sequences may mark an RNA molecule of interest, or an RNA aptamer that fluoresces upon binding of a fluorophore may be incorporated into the target molecule.
Can aptamer bind to DNA?
Aptamers are single-stranded, synthetic oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) which fold into 3-dimensional shapes capable of binding non-covalently and with high affinity to a target molecule.
What is the size of aptamer?
Aptamers are small (usually from 20 to 60 nucleotides) single-stranded RN A or DNA oligonucleotides able to bind target molecules with high affinity and specificity.