Discovery of Molecular Recognition Control by RNA-DNA Chimeric Aptamers: A New Foundation for Biosensor and Targeted Drug Development

千葉工業大学 (PR Times経由) Japan

Overview

A joint research team, spearheaded by Chiba Institute of Technology, discovered that combining RNA and DNA can modulate the molecular recognition capabilities of nucleic acid aptamers. This research demonstrated that aptamer flexibility influences target protein binding, enabling precise control over binding characteristics by adjusting the RNA-DNA ratio. This finding provides a new molecular basis for designing nucleic acid materials for enhanced targeted drugs and biosensors.

In Depth

Background and Importance of Aptamer Technology

Nucleic acid aptamers are artificial DNA or RNA molecules that bind specifically to target molecules. They are highly anticipated as alternative molecular recognition materials to antibodies for broad applications in medical diagnostics, targeted drugs, and biosensors. However, a deeper understanding of aptamer molecular recognition mechanisms and the ability to design their binding characteristics freely have remained areas under development. A collaborative research team led by Chiba Institute of Technology took on this fundamental challenge.

Mechanism of Molecular Recognition Control by RNA-DNA Chimeric Aptamers

The joint research team focused on “chimeric aptamers” that combine features of both RNA and DNA, thoroughly analyzing their molecular recognition mechanisms. The study revealed that the combination of RNA and DNA affects the overall “softness” (structural fluctuations) of the aptamer, and this flexibility significantly contributes to its binding mode with target proteins—that is, its molecular recognition. Specifically, they demonstrated that by adjusting the ratio and arrangement of RNA and DNA regions, the structural flexibility of the aptamer can be intentionally controlled, allowing for the design of binding affinity and specificity towards target molecules.

Details of this research were published on April 17, 2026, in the American Chemical Society journal “ACS Chemical Biology,” where its academic contribution was highly lauded.

Application Areas and Future Outlook

This discovery establishes a new molecular foundation for designing next-generation molecular recognition materials based on nucleic acid aptamers. This promises significant advancements in the following application areas:

• Development of Targeted Drugs: Designing aptamers that bind with high specificity to disease-related proteins can lead to the development of effective drugs with fewer side effects.
• High-Sensitivity Biosensors: The development of aptamer sensors capable of detecting specific disease markers or environmental pollutants with greater accuracy and sensitivity will be accelerated.
• Basic Life Science Research: A deeper understanding of aptamer-target interactions will also contribute to elucidating fundamental biological phenomena.

While further research and large-scale validation are needed to apply these fundamental research findings to actual medical diagnostic devices and pharmaceuticals, this represents a crucial step towards creating innovative solutions in personalized medicine and environmental monitoring.