Selex

Selection of Aptamers

Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), also referred to as in vitro selection, is a combinatorial chemistry technique in molecular biology for selecting oligonucleotides of either single-stranded DNA or RNA that specifically bind to a target ligand or ligands (Gold et al 1990)

The SELEX process is applicable to different classes of targets, (single molecules, complex target structures or mixtures, toxic target molecules or molecules with no or low immunogenicity).

There is no standardized SELEX protocol. The selection conditions have to be adapted to the current circumstances (target, desired features of the aptamers, applications).

Modified from Blind an Blank: Aptamer Selection Technology and Recent Advances.» Molecular Therapy – Nucleic Acids 4: e223