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

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 disco

SUBMITTER: Adachi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10993888 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature