Development of innovative RNA aptamer-based drugs and targeted nanosystems for cancer treatment
Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS)- CNR
Abstract
Oligonucleotide aptamers, similarly to antibodies, form high-a nity bonds with their speci c protein targets, thus representing an e ective tool for active cancer targeting. However, being synthesized chemically, they are cheaper, non-immunogenic, more stable and reliable in terms of reproducibility compared to protein therapeutics. Although the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) process to isolate aptamers is typically carried out using puri ed target molecules, we employ whole live cells as selection targets in order to obtain aptamers against cell surface proteins in their native conformation and even in the absence of prior knowledge of biomarkers present at the cell surface. Here, I will report our recent data on the generation of nuclease-resistant RNA aptamers binding to unique biomarkers of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and their preclinical development as therapeutics and theranostics. I will discuss about applications of our aptamers for: 1) identifying novel cancer biomarkers; 2) discriminating di erent subtypes of heterogeneous TNBC by aptahistochemistry; 3) interfering with malignant phenotype on their own and/or in combination with conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy; 4) delivering drug-loaded nanoparticles speci cally to target cancer cells.
Host: Anna Chiara De Luca (
Conference Room, CNR, P. Castellino Campus
