SELEX protocol

In almost every published SELEX protocol, the experiment starts with a pool of chemically synthesized ssDNA. The DNA usually consists of a central randomized region of 20-60 nucleotides that is flanked by two constant regions that are necessary for primer binding. 

Comparison of Aptamers Selected Using CE-SELEX with Those Selected Using Conventional SELEX Protocols... 

A simple protocol detailed in this chapter was established to develop RNA aptamers that bind to the electric organ nAChR and that are displaced by cocaine (8) (see Fig. 1 for a scheme). This protocol can be easily transferred to SELEX applications with other receptors or cell-surface epitopes, given that these are enriched in membrane preparations. 

The SELEX process for the selection of target-specific aptamers is a universal process characterized by the repetition of five main steps binding, partition, elution, amplification, and conditioning however, for each aptamer selection, the protocol has to be adapted to the current requirements. The SELEX design and the specific selection conditions depend, for example, on the target, the oligonucleotide hbrary, or the desired features and application of the aptamers to be selected. Therefore, a multitude of SELEX variants have been developed since the first description of this technology in 1990 (Table 2.1). 

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