Aptamers come of age – at last

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Abstract
Nucleic-acid aptamers can be isolated robotically in vitro to provide novel molecular recognition tools for research. They can be developed for use in various applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics. Most molecular targets can be used to isolate tightly binding aptamers, potentially extending aptamer application to most molecular sciences. Analysis of aptamers has yielded insights into the evolution of natural protein/ligand–nucleic-acid complexes. Small-molecule ligand binding to RNA aptamers often induces conformational changes that can be used to develop novel diagnostic reagents. Nature has made use of these properties to evolve riboswitches — sequence elements that directly regulate gene expression at the level of mRNA in response to ligand binding and temperature changes. Clinically effective aptamer drugs are now entering use and many more are in clinical trials. Research has identified a large number of potential anti-viral aptamers, including those targeted against HIV, hepatitis C virus and influenza virus.