(694b) Labeled Aptamers for Parallel Protein Measurements

Techniques for multiplexed measurement of proteins are essential for systematic investigation of complex biological processes. These can also provide valuable information on the control of protein expression under normal versus diseased states, enabling development of economic diagnostic and prognostic tools with greater accuracy and information content. Proteomic methods based on electrophoresis or chromatography and mass spectrometry are powerful but limited in their flexibility. In contrast, affinity based multiplexing techniques can be tuned to focus on small classes of proteins of interest with potentially better sensitivity and dynamic range. Aptamers, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that bind to other molecules with high specificity and affinity, are gaining popularity as protein biosensing agents in proteomic applications. In this presentation, we will describe our approach to applying aptamers for the development of a new proteomic technique. Results showed simultaneous and quantitative detection of a coagulation protein, thrombin, and an oncoprotein, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), with high specificity can be achieved. The assay can sensitively detect both proteins at low nanomolar range. The potential applications of the technique for microarray-based proteomics analyses will also be discussed.