Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Potential applications of aptamers in veterinary science.
- Journal:
- Veterinary research
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Niederlender, Solène et al.
- Affiliation:
- É · France
Plain-English summary
Aptamers are tiny pieces of genetic material that can be designed to attach to specific targets, like certain molecules or metal ions. They are similar to monoclonal antibodies, which are used in medicine, but aptamers have some advantages, such as being very specific and less likely to cause immune reactions. While most of the research on aptamers has been in basic science, there is growing interest in how they could be used in veterinary medicine for things like diagnosing diseases more quickly or safely. This could help veterinarians identify infections and other health issues in pets right at the clinic. Overall, the research suggests that aptamers could become valuable tools for improving animal health and safety.
Abstract
Aptamers are small nucleic acids that fold in a three-dimensional conformation allowing them to bind specifically to a target. This target can be an organic molecule, free or carried in cells or tissues, or inorganic components, such as metal ions. Analogous to monoclonal antibodies, aptamers however have certain advantages over the latter: e.g., high specificity for their target, no to low immunogenicity and easy in vitro selection. Since their discovery more than 30 years ago, aptamers have led to various applications, although mainly restricted to basic research. This work reviews the applications of aptamers in veterinary science to date. First, we present aptamers, how they are selected and their properties, then we give examples of applications in food and environmental safety, as well as in diagnosis and medical treatment in the field of veterinary medicine. Because examples of applications in veterinary medicine are scarce, we explore the potential avenues for future applications based on discoveries made in human medicine. Aptamers may offer new possibilities for veterinarians to diagnose certain diseases-particularly infectious diseases-more rapidly or "at the patient's bedside". All the examples highlight the growing interest in aptamers and the premises of a potential market. Aptamers may benefit animals as well as their owners, breeders and even public health in a "One Health" approach.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34078451/