Anti-Human Papilloma Virus Type 16 E7 Aptamer [G5a3N.4] (Biotin) (A320997)

Background and aims: Cervical cancer is a common neoplastic disease affecting women worldwide. Expression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E6/E7 genes is frequently associated with cervical cancer, representing ideal targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Aptamers are oligonucleotide ligands capable of binding with high affinity and specificity to relevant markers in therapeutics and disease detection. The aim of the study was to isolate an RNA aptamer specific for the HPV-16 E7 protein.

Methods: Aptamers were selected from a randomized oligonucleotide library using a modified SELEX method and recombinant HPV-16 E7 protein. Isolated aptamers were cloned and sequenced for in silico analysis. Interaction and electromobility shift assays (EMSA) were performed to establish aptamer specificity and affinity for E7. RNase footprinting and serial deletions of the aptamer and the E7 protein were made to characterize the aptamer-protein complex. Sandwich slot-blot assays were used for K(D) determination.

Results: After several rounds of SELEX, an aptamer (G5a3N.4) exhibited specificity for E7 using cell-free and protein extracts. G5a3N.4 binding yielded a K(D) comparable to aptamers directed to other small targets. Enzymatic and genetic analysis of G5a3N.4 binding showed a secondary structure with two stem-loop domains joined by single-stranded region contacting E7 in a clamp-like manner. The G5a3N.4 aptamer also produced specific complexes in HPV-positive cervical carcinoma cells.

Conclusions: The affinity and specificity of G5a3N.4 binding domains for the HPV-16 E7 protein may be used for the detection of papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer.