Development of aptamer oligonucleotides as anticoagulants and antithrombotics for cardiovascular diseases: current status

Thromb Res. 2014 Oct;134(4):769-73. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2014.05.021. Epub 2014 May 22.

Abstract

Aptamers are short DNA/RNA oligonucleotides selected by a process known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) based on affinity for target molecules. Since aptamers have several advantages over monoclonal antibodies, such as high specificity and affinity, flexible modification and stability, and lack of toxicity and immunogenicity, they are promising novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this review, we will describe the development of aptamers against thrombin, von Willebrand factor (vWF), factor IX, and factor XII as potential anticoagulants or antithrombotics for cardiovascular diseases, especially those that have entered clinical trials.

Keywords: Anticoagulants; Antithrombotics; Aptamer; Cardiovascular diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Factor IX / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Factor IX / metabolism
  • Factor XII / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Factor XII / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Thrombin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Thrombin / metabolism
  • von Willebrand Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • von Willebrand Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • von Willebrand Factor
  • Factor IX
  • Factor XII
  • Thrombin