Selection and Characterization of a DNA Aptamer Inhibiting Coagulation Factor XIa

Introduction: Coagulation factor XI (FXI) is activated either by FXIIa of the contact pathway, or by thrombin; FXIa then activates FIX. Both humans and mice deficient in FXI appear to be protected from thrombosis, with only a mild to moderate bleeding tendency. FXI is therefore an attractive target for antithrombotic agent development. DNA aptamer libraries are large arrays of DNA molecules which inhibit targets by virtue of their unique shapes. Using a combinatorial DNA library and in vitro selection, we sought to isolate an aptamer binding specifically to the active site of FXIa.
Source: Transfusion Medicine Reviews - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research