FAQs

Aptamers are relatively easy to modify. There is hope that they can be used for therapeutics in the future. Aptamers also have a unique ability to detect target proteins. Because of that, aptamers also have the potential for detection of certain diseases. The possibilities for aptamers are endless, so understanding what they are and what they can do will be extremely beneficial.

Aptamers are short strands of DNA or RNA that can bind to a target protein and be used to signal its presence. We go through many rounds of selection in order to enrich our aptamer pool, therefore leaving us with the best aptamer candidates for the specific protein. To learn more and to try and determine the absolute best aptamer for the target protein, aptamers are sequenced. After sequencing we are able to determine the important similarities and differences between the aptamer candidates and predict which candidate is the strongest binding aptamer. We can then follow up with testing to determine binding affinity, which we will then be able to choose the best aptamer for the target protein. Sequencing is one of the main steps in determining good aptamer candidates.

This question is asked often, because with the introduction of Illumina (high throughput) sequencing, which does so much more than Sanger sequencing, it may make Sanger sequencing look irrelevant in comparison. However, there are instances in which Sanger sequencing is preferred due to its simplicity and accuracy. Sanger Sequencing is more accurate and has a low error rate, making it a very effective option of sequencing. Sometimes in an experiment, only one DNA/RNA strand needs to be sequenced, and in this case, it would make more sense to use Sanger sequencing as it would give a straightforward result without the additional factors that come with Illumina sequencing. For example, Sanger Sequencing can be used to confirm that a sequence of an assembled plasmid is correct and does not contain any mutations.

For more information on when Sanger sequencing can be used, visit: https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/behindthebench/when-do-i-use-sanger-sequencing-vs-ngs-seq-it-out-7/. (Gurson, N., 2015).

There are many diagnostic applications for aptamers. For example, the aptamers against CA125 (an ovarian cancer biomarker) that we are researching can hopefully help diagnose ovarian cancer in the future.

Both programs are great. They are both user friendly and give the researcher important data. I would not say one is better than the other. It just depends on which you feel more comfortable using. It also depends on how you plan to use the program and what data you hope to receive. Click here for some differences between the two programs.