Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA ligands that recognize their target and selected from random oligonucleotide libraries through a screening method with systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). As cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions regulate many cellular functions including spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, aptamers that trigger cell adhesion may be crucial ligand molecules in the field of cell biology; however, aptamers that can trigger cell adhesion have not yet been studied. Here, as a target of aptamer that induce cell adhesion, we focus on E-cadherin that is the principle cell-cell adhesive molecule of epithelia. Cadherins are a large family of transmembrane or membrane-associated glycoproteins that mediate specific cell-cell interaction at intercellular junctions in a calcium-dependent manner, functioning as key molecules in the morphogenesis of a variety of organs. In this study, DNA aptamers that selectively and strongly bind E-cadherin in a calcium-independent manner were discovered using SELEX with next generation sequencing. Among the aptamer sequences identified, interestingly, a unique parallel-type G-quadruplex-structured sequence with the <i>K</i><sub>d</sub> values of 0.6 nM was found and triggered divalent metal ion-independent cell adhesion successfully (Figure 1).

Divalent metal ion-independent cell adhesion events mediated by E-cadherin-binding DNA aptamer that forms parallel type G-quadruplex with three long loops

255th National Meeting (2018)

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