Aptamer-based modulation of blood coagulation

Nucleic acid based aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotide ligands isolated from random libraries by an in-vitro selection procedure. Through the formation of unique three-dimensional structures, aptamers are able to selectively interact with a variety of target molecules and are therefore also promising candidates for the development of anticoagulant drugs. While thrombin represents the most prominent enzymatic target in this field, also aptamers directed against other coagulation proteins and proteases have been identified with some currently being tested in clinical trials. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the design and evaluation of aptamers for anticoagulant therapy and research.