RaptGen-Assisted Generation of an RNA/DNA Hybrid Aptamer against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Biochemistry. 2024 Apr 2;63(7):906-912. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00596. Epub 2024 Mar 8.

Abstract

Optimization of aptamers in length and chemistry is crucial for industrial applications. Here, we developed aptamers against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and achieved optimization with a deep-learning-based algorithm, RaptGen. We conducted a primer-less SELEX against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike with an RNA/DNA hybrid library, and the resulting sequences were subjected to RaptGen analysis. Based on the sequence profiling by RaptGen, a short truncation aptamer of 26 nucleotides was obtained and further optimized by a chemical modification of relevant nucleotides. The resulting aptamer is bound to RBD not only of SARS-CoV-2 wildtype but also of its variants, SARS-CoV-1, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We concluded that the RaptGen-assisted discovery is efficient for developing optimized aptamers.

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide*
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • DNA
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2* / chemistry
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / chemistry
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • DNA
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2