title: RNA aptamers: a review of recent trends and applications.
abstract: RNA aptamers, small oligonucleotides derived by an in-vitro selection process called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXperimental enrichment), are important candidates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. RNA aptamers have high affinity and specificity for their target molecules. In this review, we describe methods for generating RNA aptamers (the SELEX technique and modified SELEX processes) and therapeutic applications for diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inflammatory diseases, and obesity. We also analyze the social networks among researchers and organizations (universities, research institutes, firms, etc.) that are active in the pursuit of aptamer-based therapeutic approaches. This study provides relevant information on recent research trends in RNA aptamers.
authors.affiliation: Korea Institute of Intellectual Property, KIPS Center, 9th FL. 647-9, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-980, Korea, knkang75@snu.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Kyung-Nam
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Yoon-Sik
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008024:Ligands; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D052156:SELEX Aptamer Technique; D012944:Social Support; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D008024:Ligands; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C495058:pegaptanib