Aptamers against pathogenic microorganisms

Anna Davydova, Maria Vorobjeva, Dmitrii Pyshnyi, Sidney Altman, Valentin Vlassov, Alya Venyaminova

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

An important current issue of modern molecular medicine and biotechnology is the search for new approaches to early diagnostic assays and adequate therapy of infectious diseases. One of the promising solutions to this problem might be a development of nucleic acid aptamers capable of interacting specifically with bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Such aptamers can be used for the specific recognition of infectious agents as well as for blocking of their functions. The present review summarizes various modern SELEX techniques used in this field, and of several currently identified aptamers against viral particles and unicellular organisms, and their applications. The prospects of applying nucleic acid aptamers for the development of novel detection systems and antibacterial and antiviral drugs are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)847-865
Number of pages19
JournalCritical Reviews in Microbiology
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antiviral and antimicrobial agents
  • SELEX
  • aptasensors
  • nucleic acid aptamers
  • pathogen detection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aptamers against pathogenic microorganisms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this