Aptamer Selection against Myelin Basic Protein for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Aptamer Selection against Myelin Basic Protein for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Su Min Cho

        Myelin membrane of nerve cells is composed of a protein called myelin basic protein (MBP).[1] Myelin basic protein forms and stabilizes the myelin membrane of nerves which allows the nerve cells to transmit signals with greater speed and efficiency.[2] An autoimmune disease known as multiple sclerosis is characterized by the active degradation of myelin membrane of the nerve cells which hinders the ability of the nerves cells to conduct signals to one another. 
  The main aim of this research is to find an RNA aptamer for myelin basic protein. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleic acid molecules that bind to their targets with high affinity and can cause changes to a target by binding to the target. The result is target inhibition which prevents the target from binding to other proteins and amino acids. 
        Finding an aptamer for myelin basic protein may lead to a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Figure 1 is a simple depiction of the role that aptamers may serve. If aptamers bind to myelin basic protein, the resultant change in the structure of the myelin basic protein may prevent the body’s immune system from attacking the myelin sheaths of the nerve cells. 

Specific Aim: Selection of RNA aptamers against Myelin Basic Protein that will change the target structure


Figure 1. As aptamers bind to the target (MBP), changes are made to the structure of MBP. This change results in target inhibition which may prevent the body’s immune system from attacking the myelin sheaths of nerve cells.

Target Order Information

  Vendor: United States Biological
  Product catalog number: M9758-10
  Vendor website:  http://www.usbio.net/
  Vendor telephone number: 800-520-3011
  Cost per unit: $327 per 1 mg
  Cost per round: $2.40 per round (400 pmol)

References
1.  Deber, C. M., Reynolds, S. J. (1991). “Central nervous system myelin: structure, function, and pathology.” 
    Clinical Biochemistry. 24:113-34. 
2.  Nye, S.H., Pelfrey, C.M., Burkwit, J.J., Voskhul, R.R., Lenardo, M.J., Mueller, J.P. (1995). “Purification of 
    immunologically active recombinant 21.5 kDa isoform of human myelin basic protein.” Molecular Immunology.32:1131-4


Target Full Proposal Link
1st Progress Report Link
2nd Progress Report Link
Final Progress Report Link

No comments: