Patent attributes
The present disclosure describes methods for producing aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than are obtained using prior SELEX and photoSELEX methods. The disclosure further describes aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using prior methods. This invention relates to the field of diagnostic histology, cytology, histopathology, and cytopathology methods and reagents for the detection of various disease states. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of aptamers in histologic, cytologic, histopathic, and/or cytopathic diagnostic methods. Aptamers may be provided that react with specific target molecules contained within a histological or cytological sample. Aptamers may be used to assess localization, relative density, and presence or absence of one or more target. Targets may be selected that are specific and diagnostic of a given disease state for which the sample was collected. Aptamers may be used to introduce target specific signal moieties. Antigen retrieval methods may be applied to the sample prior to reaction with the specific aptamer/s to improve interaction of the aptamer and target within the sample. Or aptamers may be developed for the specific target that eliminates the need for the antigen retrieval process. In addition to target identification, aptamers may be used to amplify signal generation through a variety of methods.
