Poster abstracts
Poster number 110 submitted by Katelynn Pranger
Synthesis of 2’F-Modified RNA Aptamers
Katelynn Pranger (Chemistry, Ball State University), Alex Thornburgh (Chemistry, Ball State University), Emil Khisamutdinov (Chemistry, Ball State University)
Abstract:
RNA aptamers are relatively short oligonucleotides that are artificially generated to selectively bind their target with high affinity. They are viewed as important diagnostic tools due to their versatility, high selectivity, and specificity, which can be used to diagnose cancer and tumors. However, nascent RNA strands are highly fragile and tend to undergo rapid degradation in the bloodstream, hampering their therapeutic applications. The replacement 2’-OH group to 2’-Fluorine (2’F) significantly enhances the stability of RNA molecules. This project aims to synthesize 2’F-modified RNA aptamers that selectively bind to human epidermal growth factor receptor (hEGFR) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). These are transmembrane proteins that can be used as diagnostic markers for tumor cells or prostate cancer. EGFR E07 aptamer can bind to receptors to inhibit protein-protein interactions, preventing tumor cell proliferation. PSMA aptamer can bind to receptors for drug delivery to inhibit cell proliferation of PSMA-positive cells. The synthesized RNA aptamers can be readily hybridized with DNA triangular shape nanoparticles to produce targeted nanovesicles to selectively carry therapeutics to diseased cells.
References:
Biochemistry, epidermal growth factor receptor – StatPearls - NCBI ... The National Institute of Health. (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482459/
Chang, S. S. (2004). Overview of prostate-specific membrane antigen. Reviews in Urology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472940/
Keywords: hEGFR, PSMA, cancer