Nucleic acid aptamers are innovative and promising candidates to block the hallmark event in the prion diseases, that is the conversion of prion protein (PrP) into an abnormal form; however, they need chemical modifications for effective therapeutic activity. This communication reports on the development and biophysical characterization of a small library of chemically modified G-quadruplex-forming aptamers targeting the cellular PrP and the evaluation of their anti-prion activity. The results show the possibility of enhancing anti-prion aptamer properties through straightforward modifications.

中文翻译：

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通过结合化学修饰改进抗朊病毒核酸适体

核酸适体是阻断朊病毒疾病中标志性事件的创新和有前途的候选者，即朊病毒蛋白（PrP）转化为异常形式；然而，它们需要化学修饰才能获得有效的治疗活性。该通讯报告了针对细胞 PrP 的小型化学修饰 G-四链体适体库的开发和生物物理表征，以及对其抗朊病毒活性的评估。结果显示了通过直接修改增强抗朊病毒适体特性的可能性。