Selection of an aptamer against mouse GP2 by SELEX

Design strategies and advanced applications of primer exchange reactions in biosensing: A review

Early disease diagnosis relies on the sensitive detection and imaging of biomarkers. Signal amplification is one of the most commonly used methods to improve detection sensitivity. Primer exchange reaction (PER) is a novel signal amplification technique that has garnered attention because of its simple and sensitive features. The classical PER involves a single catalytic hairpin, which enables the attachment of custom sequences to the primer chain, generating a long repeat sequence that can bind numerous signaling molecules and achieve powerful signal amplification. Currently, numerous PER-based signal amplification strategies are available that can improve detection sensitivity and promote the development of the signal amplification field. This review focuses on the mechanism of typical PER, the diversification of PER, and PER-based biosensors for various targets. Finally, the challenges and prospects of PER development are discussed.

Recent progress of aptamer‒drug conjugates in cancer therapy

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that can specifically bind with the target protein or molecule via specific secondary structures. Compared to antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), aptamer‒drug conjugate (ApDC) is also an efficient, targeted drug for cancer therapy with a smaller size, higher chemical stability, lower immunogenicity, faster tissue penetration, and facile engineering. Despite all these advantages, several key factors have delayed the clinical translation of ApDC, such as in vivo off-target effects and potential safety issues. In this review, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of ApDC and discuss solutions to the problems noted above.

Effects of dietary-fiber levels on RANK/RANKL/OPG expression in the appendix of weanling rabbits

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The dietary fiber can regulate the intestinal mucosal immunity, and the M cell is the portal for initiating mucosal immunity. We investigated the effects of dietary fiber on the transport of Escherichia coli to assess the function of microfold (M) cells in the appendix.

METHOD

A total of 150 New Zealand rabbits were fed three diets (high fiber (HF): 31.72%; control: 37.36%; low dietary fiber (LF): 41.84%; neutral detergent fiber (NDF). An infection model was established in vivo using E. coli containing green fluorescent protein as the indicator in appendix loops. Samples were collected before and after inoculation with indicator for 10, 30, or 60 min. The M cells number, differentiation-related genes and proteins were monitored by respectively using immunofluorescence, Q-PCR and Western-blot.

RESULTS

The number of M cells in HF group was significantly higher than that of LF group before and at 10 min, 30 min post injection with E.coli (P < 0.01), which has an opposite at 60 min. The number of fluorescent E. coli transported across the appendix was significantly increased in the HF group (P < 0.01) compared with the LF group at 30 min (P < 0.001); expression of RANKL gene and protein levels were no difference between HF and LF group. The variation tendency of RANK, OPG genes and proteins were consistent with the change of M cell transport indicator number in different time points.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that a high-fiber diet can increase number of M cells and speed up antigen transfer under regulation of ANKL/OPG/RANK system.

Regulatory aspects in the pharmaceutical development of nanoparticle drug delivery systems designed to cross the intestinal epithelium and M-cells

This article reviews the field of oral uptake of nanoparticles across the gastrointestinal epithelium for the period 2006-2016. Analysis is conducted from the viewpoint of i) M-cell genetics and model development, ii) drug targeting to Peyer's patches and M-cells, and iii) physicochemical interactions of nanoparticles in the intestinal milieu. In light of these recent developments, regulatory considerations in the development of orally-absorbable nanoparticle drug products are discussed and focused on Module 3.2.P sub-sections of the Common Technical Document. Particular attention is paid to novel excipients, ligands and the non-standard method of manufacture. The novelty of this drug delivery system demands not only a multi-disciplinary scientific and regulatory approach but also a risk-adjusted consideration for a system defined by both processes and specifications. Given the current state of scientific development in the field it is suggested (in the author's personal opinion) that the design of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems should be kept as simple as possible (from a regulatory and manufacturing perspective) and to target the entire gastrointestinal epithelium.

Mucosal Ecological Network of Epithelium and Immune Cells for Gut Homeostasis and Tissue Healing

The intestinal epithelial barrier includes columnar epithelial, Paneth, goblet, enteroendocrine, and tuft cells as well as other cell populations, all of which contribute properties essential for gastrointestinal homeostasis. The intestinal mucosa is covered by mucin, which contains antimicrobial peptides and secretory IgA and prevents luminal bacteria, fungi, and viruses from stimulating intestinal immune responses. Conversely, the transport of luminal microorganisms-mediated by M, dendritic, and goblet cells-into intestinal tissues facilitates the harmonization of active and quiescent mucosal immune responses. The bacterial population within gut-associated lymphoid tissues creates the intratissue cohabitations for harmonized mucosal immunity. Intermolecular and intercellular communication among epithelial, immune, and mesenchymal cells creates an environment conducive for epithelial regeneration and mucosal healing. This review summarizes the so-called intestinal mucosal ecological network-the complex but vital molecular and cellular interactions of epithelial mesenchymal cells, immune cells, and commensal microbiota that achieve intestinal homeostasis, regeneration, and healing.

Selection and Identification of Chloramphenicol-Specific DNA Aptamers by Mag-SELEX

Chloramphenicol (CAP) has been widely used to treat bacterial infections in livestock and aquatic animals. To reduce the risk of CAP residues, an efficient technology to rapidly detect CAP residues in animal-sourced food is expressly needed. In this study, magnetic bead-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (Mag-SELEX) strategy was performed to select and identify CAP-specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamers from a random oligonucleotide library. After nine rounds of selection, five potential ssDNA aptamers were selected. Low homology indicated that they might belong to different families. To identify an aptamer with the highest affinity for CAP, the dissociation constant (K _d) values of these selected aptamers were determined. The lowest K _d values of two potential aptamers (i.e., No. 4 and No. 5) were, respectively, 0.10162 ± 0.0111 and 0.03224 ± 0.00819 μM, which were much lower than previously reported lowest K _d value (i.e., 0.766 μM) of CAP aptamer. Moreover, compared with No. 4, aptamer No. 5 had higher binding rate, which is quite different among those with CAP and with CAP's structural analogs (i.e., thiamphenicol (TAP) and florfenicol (FF)). These results indicated that the potential aptamer No. 5 with highest specificity and affinity for CAP would be an ideal aptamer for future detection of residual CAP in animal-sourced food.

Roles of M cells in infection and mucosal vaccines

The mucosal immune system plays a crucial part in the control of infection. Exposure of humans and animals to potential pathogens generally occurs through mucosal surfaces, thus, strategies that target the mucosa seem rational and efficient vaccination measures. Vaccination through the mucosal immune system can induce effective systemic immune responses simultaneously with mucosal immunity compared with parenteral vaccination. M cells are capable of transporting luminal antigens to the underlying lymphoid tissues and can be exploited by pathogens as an entry portal to invade the host. Therefore, targeting M-cell-specific molecules might enhance antigen entry, initiate the immune response, and induce protection against mucosal pathogens. Here, we outline our understanding of the distribution and function of M cells, and summarize the advances in mucosal vaccine strategies that target M cells.