An Aptamer-Functionalized Microfluidic Platform for Biomolecular Purification and Sensing

Author(s):  
Thai Huu Nguyen ◽  
Qiao Lin

Aptamers are oligonucleotides (DNA or RNA) that bind to chemical and biological analyte targets via affinity interactions. Through an in vitro synthetic process, aptamers can be developed for an extremely broad spectrum of analytes, such as small molecules, proteins, cells, viruses, and bacteria. Target recognition by aptamers is highly selective, as affinity interactions result in secondary aptamer conformational structures that specifically fit the target. The aptamer-target binding is also reversible and depends strongly on external stimuli such as pH and temperature. The specificity and stimuli-responsiveness of aptamers are highly attractive to biological purification and sensing, which generally involve isolating minute quantities of targets from complex samples with non-specific molecules and impurities present at orders-of-magnitude higher concentrations. We present an aptamer-functionalized microfluidic platform that by design exploits the specificity and temperature-dependent reversibility of aptamers to enable biomolecular purification and sensing. Using the specificity of aptamers, we demonstrate highly selective capture and enrichment of biomolecules. Employing thermally induced, reversible disruption of aptamer-target binding, we accomplish isocratic elution of the captured analytes and regeneration of the aptamer surfaces, thereby eliminating the use of potentially harsh reagents. Using integrated microfluidic control, the eluted analytes are detected in a label-free fashion by mass spectrometric methods.

2018 ◽  
Vol 185 ◽  
pp. 10006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia V. Guteneva ◽  
Sergey L. Znoyko ◽  
Alexey V. Orlov ◽  
Maxim P. Nikitin ◽  
Petr I. Nikitin

Precise quantitative and highly sensitive detection of small molecules (haptens) is highly demanded in medicine, food quality control, in vitro diagnostics, criminalistics, environmental monitoring, etc. In the present work, the magnetic method of particle quantification and the optical methods of spectral correlation and spectral phase interferometry complement each other for optimization of a quantitative assay for measuring concentrations of small molecules. The assay employs magnetic nanoparticles as labels in rapid immunochromatographic format. The approach was demonstrated with fluorescein as a model molecule. The interferometric label-free biosensors were employed for selection of optimal reagents that produced high specificity and sensitivity. The method of magnetic particle quantification counted the magnetic labels over the entire volume of the immunochromatographic membrane to provide their distribution along the test strip. Such distribution was used for optimization of such parameters as concentrations of the used reagents and of antibody immobilized on the labels, amount of the labels and conjugates of haptens with protein carriers to realize the advanced quantitative immunochromatographic assay.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Liu ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Lucas D. Ward ◽  
Qinghong Yan ◽  
Tanggis Bohnuud ◽  
...  

Abstract Novel modalities such as Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) and RNA interference (RNAi) have the ability to inadvertently alter the abundance of endogenous proteins. Currently available in vitro secondary pharmacology assays, which evaluate off-target binding or activity of small molecules, do not fully assess the off-target effects of PROTAC and are not applicable to RNAi. To address this gap, we developed a proteomics-based platform to comprehensively evaluate abundance of off-target proteins. The first part of the study involves selecting a panel of off-target proteins and a platform of cell lines using evidence from genetics and pharmacology. This process yielded 2,813 proteins, forming the basis of a panel that we refer to as the “selected off-target proteome” (SOTP). An iterative algorithm was then used to identify appropriate cell lines. Four human cell lines out of 932 were selected that, collectively, expressed ~ 80% of the SOTP based on transcriptome data. Second, we used mass spectrometry to quantify the intracellular and extracellular proteins of interest in the 4 selected cell lines. Among over 10,000 quantifiable proteins identified, 1,828 were part of the predefined SOTP. The SOTP was designed to be easily modified or expanded, owing rationale selection process developed and the label free LC-MS/MS approach chosen. This versatility inherent to our platform is essential to design fit-for-purpose studies that can address the dynamic questions faced in investigative toxicology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Liu ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Lucas D. Ward ◽  
Qinghong Yan ◽  
Tanggis Bohnuud ◽  
...  

AbstractNovel modalities such as PROTAC and RNAi have the ability to inadvertently alter the abundance of endogenous proteins. Currently available in vitro secondary pharmacology assays, which evaluate off-target binding or activity of small molecules, do not fully assess the off-target effects of PROTAC and are not applicable to RNAi. To address this gap, we developed a proteomics-based platform to comprehensively evaluate the abundance of off-target proteins. First, we selected off-target proteins using genetics and pharmacology evidence. This process yielded 2813 proteins, which we refer to as the “selected off-target proteome” (SOTP). An iterative algorithm was then used to identify four human cell lines out of 932. The 4 cell lines collectively expressed ~ 80% of the SOTP based on transcriptome data. Second, we used mass spectrometry to quantify the intracellular and extracellular proteins from the selected cell lines. Among over 10,000 quantifiable proteins identified, 1828 were part of the predefined SOTP. The SOTP was designed to be easily modified or expanded, owing to the rational selection process developed and the label free LC–MS/MS approach chosen. This versatility inherent to our platform is essential to design fit-for-purpose studies that can address the dynamic questions faced in investigative toxicology.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Liu ◽  
Ye Zhang ◽  
Lucas D. Ward ◽  
Qinghong Yan ◽  
Tanggis Bohnuud ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTNovel modalities such as Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) and RNA interference (RNAi) have a mechanism of action-based potential to alter the abundance of off-target proteins. The current in vitro secondary pharmacology assays, which evaluate off-target binding or activity of small molecules, do not fully assess the off-target effects of PROTAC and are not applicable to RNAi. To address this gap, we developed a proteomics-based platform to comprehensively evaluated abundance of off-target proteins. The first part of the manuscript describes the rationale and process through which the off-target proteins and cell lines were selected. The off-target proteins were selected from the entire human proteome based on genetics and pharmacology data (Deaton et al., 2018). The selection yielded 2,813 proteins, forming the nexus of a panel that we refer to as the “selected off-target proteome” (SOTP). An algorithm was then used to identify appropriate cell lines. Four human cell lines out of 932 were selected that, collectively, expressed ~ 80% of the SOTP based on transcriptome data. The second part of the manuscript describes the LC-MS/MS experimentation to quantify the intracellular and extracellular proteins of interest in the 4 selected cell lines. Among over 10,000 quantifiable proteins identified, 1,828 were part of the predefined SOTP. The SOTP was designed to be easily modified or expanded, owing rationale selection process developed and the label free LC-MS/MS approach chosen. This versatility inherent to our platform is essential to design fit-for-purpose studies that can address the dynamic questions faced in investigative toxicology.


1990 ◽  
Vol 64 (03) ◽  
pp. 402-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Oethinger ◽  
E Seifried

SummaryThe present in vitro study investigated dose-, time- and temperature-dependent effects of two-chain urokinase plasminogen activato(u-PA, urokinase) on normal citrated plasma. When 10 μg/ml u-PA wereadded to pooled normal plasma and incubated for 30 min at an ambient temperature (25° C), α2-antiplas-min decreased to 8% of the control value. Incubation on ice yielded a decrease to 45% of control,whereas α2-antiplasmin was fully consumed at 37° C. Fibrinogen and plasminogen fell to 46% and 39%, respectively, after a 30 min incubation at 25° C. Thrombin time prolonged to 190% of control.Various inhibitors were studied with respect to their suitability and efficacy to prevent these in vitro effects. Aprotinin exhibited a good protective effect on fibrinogen at concentrations exceeding 500 KlU/ml plasma. Its use, however, was limited due to interferences with some haemostatic assays. We could demonstrate that L-Glutamyl-L-Glycyl-L-Arginyl chloromethyl ketone (GGACK) and a specific polyclonal anti-u-PA-antibody (anti-u-PA-IgG) effectively inhibited urokinase-induced plasmin generation without interfering with haemostatic assays. The anti-u-PA-antibody afforded full protection ofα2-antiplasmin at therapeutic levels of u-PA.It is concluded that u-PA in plasma samples from patients during thrombolytic therapy may induce in vitro effects which should be prevented by the use of a suitable inhibitor such as GGACK or specific anti-u-PA-antibody.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (30) ◽  
pp. 5609-5624
Author(s):  
Dijana Saftić ◽  
Željka Ban ◽  
Josipa Matić ◽  
Lidija-Marija Tumirv ◽  
Ivo Piantanida

: Among the most intensively studied classes of small molecules (molecular weight < 650) in biomedical research are small molecules that non-covalently bind to DNA/RNA, and another intensively studied class is nucleobase derivatives. Both classes have been intensively elaborated in many books and reviews. However, conjugates consisting of DNA/RNA binder covalently linked to nucleobase are much less studied and have not been reviewed in the last two decades. Therefore, this review summarized reports on the design of classical DNA/RNA binder – nucleobase conjugates, as well as data about their interactions with various DNA or RNA targets, and even in some cases protein targets are involved. According to these data, the most important structural aspects of selective or even specific recognition between small molecule and target are proposed, and where possible related biochemical and biomedical aspects were discussed. The general conclusion is that this, rather new class of molecules showed an amazing set of recognition tools for numerous DNA or RNA targets in the last two decades, as well as few intriguing in vitro and in vivo selectivities. Several lead research lines show promising advancements toward either novel, highly selective markers or bioactive, potentially druggable molecules.


Blood ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
JH Joist ◽  
RK Baker

Abstract We previously demonstrated that platelets can be labeled with 111Inoxine with high labeling efficiency and that 111In is not liberated from labeled platelets during the platelet release reaction or prolonged in vitro storage. In view of these findings, we examined the potential usefulness of loss of 111In from labeled platelets as an indicator or platelet damage by comparing the loss of 111In with that of 51Cr and LDH (in some experiments also with platelet factor 3 availability) under different conditions of platelet injury. When washed human platelets labeled with either 51Cr-chromate or 111In-oxine were exposed to increasing concentrations of detergents (Triton X-100, lysolecithin), threshold, rate, and extent of loss of 111In, 51Cr and, LDH were similar. In contrast, when labeled platelets were depleted of metabolic energy by incubation in glucose-free Tyrode albumin solution or glucose-depleted plasma in the presence of antimycin A and 2-deoxy-D- glucose, loss of 51Cr (and PF3a) occurred earlier and progressed at a faster rate than that of 111In or LDH. Similar results were obtained when platelets were exposed to increasing concentrations of PlA1 antibody, causing complement-mediated immune injury. The findings indicate that with certain agents that cause rapid platelet disruption (lysis), different platelet constituents are lost at similar rates. However, under conditions of more subtle or slowly progressive platelet injury, small molecules such as adenine nucleotides (51Cr) may escape earlier and at faster rates than larger molecules such as LDH or 111In- binding platelet protein. Thus, neither 111In loss nor LDH loss appear to be suitable indicators for sublytic or prelytic platelet injury.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S25-S26
Author(s):  
Jingjing Ma ◽  
Emma Wu ◽  
Ye Li ◽  
William Seibel ◽  
Le Shen ◽  
...  

Abstract Compromised epithelial barrier function is known to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may contribute to disease development. One mechanism of barrier dysfunction is increased expression of paracellular tight junction ion and water channels formed by claudins. Claudin-2 and -15 are two such channels. We hypothesize that blocking these channels could be a viable therapeutic approach to treat diarrhea. In an effort to develop blockers of these channels, we turn to our previously developed and validated in silico models of claudin-15 (Samanta et al. 2018). We reasoned that compounds that can bind with the interior of claudin pores can limit paracellular water and ion flux. Thus, we used docking algorithms to search for putative small molecules that bind in the claudin-15 pore. AutoDock Vina was initially used to assess rigid docking using small compound databases. The small molecules were analyzed based on binding affinity to the pore and visualized using VMD for their potential blockage of the channel. Clusters of binding modes were identified based on the prominent interacting residues of the protein with the small molecules. We initially screened 10,500 compounds from within the UIC Centre for Drug Discovery and a cross-section of 10,000 compounds from the NCI open compound repository. This initial screen allowed us to identify 2 first-in-class selective claudin-15 blockers with efficacy in MDCK monolayers induced to express claudin-15 and in wildtype duodenum. Next, we screened the entire NCI open compound repository for additional molecules structurally related to our best initially identified molecule and this has allowed us to identify 13 additional molecules that increase TER of claudin-15 expressing MDCK monolayers by 90–160%. Additionally, these molecules possess similar structural components that will be collected in a fragment library and explored through molecular dynamics simulations. We also developed a claudin-2 homology model on which we are performing docking studies and in vitro measurements, which we expect will result in similar candidate ligands for blocking claudin-2. Our study will provide important insight into the role of claudin-dependent cation permeability in fundamental physiology, which we believe will lead to the utility of claudin blockers as a novel and much needed approach to treat diseases such as IBD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1941
Author(s):  
Seungmin Yeom ◽  
Myung Chul Lee ◽  
Shambhavi Pandey ◽  
Jaewoon Lim ◽  
Sangbae Park ◽  
...  

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a good medicine source because of their potential to differentiate into various tissues or cells. However, traditionally, iPSCs made by specific transgenes and virus vectors are not appropriate for clinical use because of safety concerns and risk of tumor development. The goal of this research was to develop an alternative method for reprogramming, using small molecules and external stimuli. Two groups were established: short-term shear stress (STSS) under suspension culture and a combination of short-term shear stress and vitamin C (SSVC) under suspension culture. For STSS, the pipetting was carried out for cells twice per day for 2 min for 14 days in the embryonic stem cell (ES) medium. In the case of SSVC, the procedure was the same as for STSS however, its ES medium included 10 µM of vitamin C. After 14 days, all spheroids were picked and checked for pluripotency by ALP (alkaline phosphatase) assay and immunocytochemistry. Both groups partially showed the characteristics of stem cells but data demonstrated that the spheroids under shear stress and vitamin C had improved stem cell-like properties. This research showed the possibility of external stimuli and small molecules to reprogram the somatic cells without the use of transgenes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 153537022110021
Author(s):  
Subburaman Mohan ◽  
Karthikeyan Muthusamy ◽  
Selvaraman Nagamani ◽  
Chandrasekhar Kesavan

Activating anabolic receptor-mediated signaling is essential for stimulating new bone formation and for promoting bone healing in humans. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 3 is reported to be an important positive regulator of osteogenesis. Presently, recombinant proteins are used to stimulate FGFR3 function but have limitations for therapy due to expense and stability. Therefore, there is a need for identification of novel small molecules binding to FGFR3 that promote biological function. In silico molecular docking and high-throughput virtual screening on zinc database identified seven compounds predicted to bind to an active site within the βCʹ-βE loop, specific to FGFR3. All seven compounds fall within an acceptable range of ADME/T properties. Four compounds showed a 30–65% oral absorption rate. Density functional theory analysis revealed a high HOMO-LUMO gap, reflecting high molecular stability for compounds 14977614 and 13509082. Five compounds exhibited mutagenicity, while the other three compounds presented irritability. Computational mutagenesis predicted that mutating G322 affected compound binding to FGFR3. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed compound 14977614 is stable in binding to FGFR3. Furthermore, compound 14977614, with an oral absorption rate of 60% and high molecular stability, produced significant increases in both proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in vitro. Anti-FGFR3 treatment completely blocked the stimulatory effect of 14977614 on BMSC proliferation. Ex vivo treatment of mouse calvaria in organ culture for seven days with 14977614 increased mineralization and expression levels of bone formation markers. In conclusion, computational analyses identified seven compounds that bind to the FGFR3, and in vitro studies showed that compound 14977614 exerts significant biological effects on osteogenic cells.


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