Selection and identification of a novel ssDNA aptamer targeting human skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle disorders have posed great threats to health. Selective delivery of drugs and oligonucleotides to skeletal muscle is challenging. Aptamers can improve targeting efficacy. In this study, for the first time, the human skeletal muscle-specific ssDNA aptamers (HSM01, etc.) were selected and identified with Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). The HSM01 ssDNA aptamer preferentially interacted with human skeletal muscle cells in vitro. The in vivo study using tree shrews showed that the HSM01 ssDNA aptamer specifically targeted human skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, the ability of HSM01 ssDNA aptamer to target skeletal muscle cells was not affected by the formation of a disulfide bond with nanoliposomes in vitro or in vivo, suggesting a potential new approach for targeted drug delivery to skeletal muscles via liposomes. Therefore, this newly identified ssDNA aptamer and nanoliposome modification could be used for the treatment of human skeletal muscle diseases.

Automated summary

In this study, human skeletal muscle-specific ssDNA aptamers were selected and identified using SELEX. The aptamers showed preferential interaction with human skeletal muscle cells in vitro and specifically targeted these cells in vivo. The formation of a disulfide bond with nanoliposomes did not affect the ability of the aptamers to target skeletal muscle cells. This newly identified ssDNA aptamer and nanoliposome modification have potential applications in the treatment of human skeletal muscle diseases.