In vitro evolution of RNA aptamers recognizing carcinogenic aromatic amines

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 313; no. 4; pp. 1004 - 1008
• Main Authors: Brockstedt, Ulrike, Uzarowska, Anna, Montpetit, Alexandre, Pfau, Wolfgang, Labuda, Damian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 23.01.2004
• Subjects: Affinity chromatography; Amines - chemistry; Amines - toxicity; Aptamers; Base Sequence; Carcinogens - chemistry; Carcinogens - toxicity; Chemical carcinogens; Chromatography, Affinity; Directed Molecular Evolution; DNA adducts; DNA Adducts - chemistry; DNA Adducts - genetics; In Vitro Techniques; RNA - genetics; RNA - isolation & purification; SELEX; Chemical carcinogens; DNA adducts; Affinity chromatography; Aptamers; SELEX
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.12.030

The modification of cellular DNA by environmental substances is thought to be a crucial event in chemical induced carcinogenesis. Among the environmental carcinogens, aromatic amines are known for the fact that they can induce several types of cancers through the formation of so-called DNA adducts. We took advantage of the potential of the SELEX method to select for highly specific RNA ligands that recognize specific genotoxic aromatic amines. The aromatic amine 4,4 ′-methylenedianiline (MDA) was used as a target. Following in vitro selection, we obtained specific MDA-binding RNA molecules based on an affinity chromatography assay. These results open the possibility of using the SELEX technique to generate RNA molecules as diagnostic tools for the detection of DNA damaging compounds and ultimately DNA adducts.