Targeted Oligonucleotide Aptamers for HNRPU Protein Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapeutic options for diseases such as cancer lack specificity, stability, and efficient delivery mechanisms, particularly for targeting HNRPU proteins, which are critical for modulating cellular functions.

Innovation Solution

Development of oligonucleotide aptamers, including chemically modified sequences capable of binding to HNRPU proteins, which can inhibit nucleolin activity and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and are designed for specific binding and internalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional therapeutic options are used, then treatment can be administered broadly, but specificity for targeting HNRPU proteins is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespecificityVSAvoidbroad applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the therapeutic approach by using aptamers that specifically bind to HNRPU proteins, dividing the broad therapeutic target into specific molecular interactions. This allows selective targeting of HNRPU-containing complexes while sparing other cellular components, achieving high specificity through molecular segmentation rather than broad-spectrum action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aptamers exhibit local quality by concentrating their binding activity specifically at HNRPU protein sites within cellular complexes. The patent demonstrates that these aptamers achieve high local affinity (sub-nanomolar) at the target site while maintaining selective discrimination against closely related proteins, creating localized therapeutic effect with precise molecular recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If standard oligonucleotides are used, then synthesis is straightforward, but stability and resistance to degradation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite oligonucleotide structures combining DNA and RNA segments with specific modifications. The aptamers contain 2'-O-methyl RNA modifications and phosphorothioate backbone modifications, creating composite materials that enhance nuclease resistance and serum stability while maintaining affinity for HNRPU proteins. These composite structures balance manufacturing feasibility with improved in vivo stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of oligonucleotides through 2'-O-methyl and phosphorothioate modifications. These parameter changes in sugar pucker, backbone charge, and flexibility enhance stability against degradation while preserving or improving binding affinity. The modifications alter physical-chemical parameters to achieve optimal stability-manufacturability balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If high affinity binding is achieved, then target recognition is improved, but delivery efficiency and cellular internalization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget recognitionVSAvoiddelivery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cell-penetrating peptide intermediaries conjugated to the aptamers to bridge the gap between high-affinity binding and cellular internalization. The TAT peptide or similar intermediaries facilitate endocytosis and cytoplasmic delivery of the aptamer-HNRPU complex, enabling the high-affinity aptamers to reach their intracellular targets efficiently without compromising their binding specificity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two functional components: the high-affinity binding aptamer and the cell-penetrating delivery vehicle. By combining these functions into a single conjugate system, the patent achieves both precise target recognition (through the aptamer portion) and efficient cellular internalization (through the peptide portion), resolving the contradiction between binding affinity and delivery efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The aptamers provide high specificity and affinity for HNRPU proteins, enabling targeted cancer therapy with improved stability and delivery, leading to effective cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in various cancer types.

Implementation Method 1

A series of structural studies have shown that aptamers are capable of using the same types of binding interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, electrostatic complementarity, hydrophobic contacts, steric exclusion) that drive affinity and specificity in antibody-antigen complexes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 2

A series of structural studies have shown that aptamers are capable of using the same types of binding interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, electrostatic complementarity, hydrophobic contacts, steric exclusion) that drive affinity and specificity in antibody-antigen complexes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic complementarity:

Implementation Method 3

A series of structural studies have shown that aptamers are capable of using the same types of binding interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding, electrostatic complementarity, hydrophobic contacts, steric exclusion) that drive affinity and specificity in antibody-antigen complexes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic contacts:

Implementation Method 4

Development of oligonucleotide aptamers, including chemically modified sequences capable of binding to HNRPU proteins, which can inhibit nucleolin activity and induce apoptosis in cancer cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectApoptosis induction:

Data Source

PatentEP3328873B1Targeted oligonucleotides
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 CARIS SCIENCE INC
  • EP3328873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3328873B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3328873B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Methods and compositions are provided for oligonucleotides that bind targets of interest. The targets include cells and microvesicles, such as those derived from various diseases. The oligonucleotides can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The target of the oligonucleotides can be a target such as PARP1, HIST1H1B, HIST1H1D, NCL, FBL, SFPQ, RPL12, ACTB, HIST1H4A, SSBP1, NONO, H2AFJ, and DDX21, or a complex, subunit or fragment thereof.