A novel CD44-targeting aptamer recognizes chemoresistant mesenchymal stem-like TNBC cells and inhibits tumor growth.

ABSTRACT: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant therapeutic challenge owing to the scarcity of targeted medicines and elevated recurrence rates. We previously reported the development of the nuclease-resistant RNA sTN58 aptamer, which selectively targets TNBC cells. Here, sTN58 aptamer was employed to capture and purify its binding target from the membrane protein fraction of cisplatin-resistant mesenchymal stem-like TNBC cells. Mass spectrometry in conjunction with aptamer binding assays across various cancer cell lines identified CD44 as the cellular target of sTN58. By binding to CD44, sTN58 inhibits the invasive growth and hyaluronic acid-dependent tube formation in chemoresistant TNBC cells, where CD44 serves as a key driver of tumor cell aggressiveness and stem-like pla

SUBMITTER: Caliendo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12059597 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature