Molecular Nanobiotechnological Approaches for the Detection and Therapy of Prion Related Diseases

Abstract

Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation in the brain of an abnormal, protease resistant isoform of a host encoded glycoprotein known as prion protein (PrP). Nanotechnology in combination with biotechniques promises a broad spectrum of highly innovative approaches for overcoming the challenges posed by the prions. Recent advances in molecular nanobiotechnology have brought in the potential of molecular targeting in diagnosis and therapies of various diseases. Their high binding sensitivity and specificity added by their small size have favored the identification by in vitro protocols. Molecular targeting has initiated exciting technologies based on conjugation of biomolecules to nanoparticles. This review article is an extensive study of various research oriented nanobiotechnological protocols for rapid identification and cure for prion diseases both at in vivo and in vitro options.

Aptamers as Promising Molecular Recognition Elements for Diagnostics and Therapeutics in the Central Nervous System

“…The mechanism through which prions exert toxicity within the CNS is not entirely understood. However, it is understood that the conversion of the normal form of the protein (PrP C ) to the pathological, insoluble, and proteinase K-resistant form PrP Sc (the infectious isoform; SC referring to scrapie) leads to cell death [91]. Conversion from the normal to the disease-state isoform is self-propagating, leading to exponential accumulation of the pathological form in the brain [89].…”

Development of an aptamer-conjugated fluorescent nanoprobe for MMP2

“…We considered that aptamers could overcome this problem because aptamers bind directly to target proteins. In addition, due to its small size and easy chemical modification, it can be easily applied to construct new nanoparticles as presented in this study ([ 9 ], Figure 6 ).…”

“…The above mentioned actions of MMPs encouraged us to develop a molecular imaging modality that specifically targets MMP molecules. As compared with antibodies, aptamers have several beneficial characteristics, such as low immunogenicity, low molecular weight (8 to 15 kDa), high stability, better penetration, high affinity, and ease of production [ 9 ]. From these reasons, we decided to develop a MMP2-specific aptamer.…”