A Novel Specific Aptamer Targets Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells After Ischemic Stroke

Authors

Heng Hu
Silin Wu
Tae Jin Lee
Aaron M Gusdon
Yuxin Liu
Huimahn A Choi
Xuefang Sophie Ren

Publication Date

6-20-2023

Journal

Scientific Reports

Abstract

Cell specific-targeted therapy (CSTT) for acute ischemic stroke remains underdeveloped. Cerebrovascular endothelial cells (CECs) are key components of the blood-brain barrier and are the first brain cells affected by ischemic stroke. After stroke, CEC injury causes insufficient energy supply to neurons and leads to cytotoxic and vasogenic brain edema. Aptamers are short single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules that can bind to specific ligands for cell specific delivery. The expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is increased on CECs after stroke. Herein, we report that an RNA-based VCAM-1-aptamer can specifically target CECs in stroke brains following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Our data demonstrate the potential of an RNA-based aptamer as an effective delivery platform to target CECs after stroke. We believe this method will allow for the development of CSTT for treatment of patients with stroke.

Keywords

Mice, Animals, Ischemic Stroke, Endothelial Cells, Brain Ischemia, Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1, Stroke, Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery, Blood-Brain Barrier, RNA, Stroke, Blood-brain barrier, Translational research, Nanoscience and technology