Recent developments in cell-SELEX technology for aptamer selection

Background: SELEX technique is employed to select aptamers against wide range of targets. The in vitro method of aptamer selection using live cells as the target is referred as cell-SELEX. Scope of the review: The review provides a comprehensive description on the development of aptamers through various cell-SELEX methods and list of aptamers identified through this method. In addition, it pinpoints the advantages and limitations of the cell-SELEX process and its variants. Major conclusions: The use of aptamers as therapeutic and diagnostic agents is rapidly evolving, selection techniques such as Cell-SELEX could be beneficial in identifying aptamers when the target is in its native conformation and without prior information of the cognate target, thereby bringing the aptamer development one step closer to the clinic. General significance: The information in this review can serve as a database for the design and development of futuristic oligonucleotide based diagnostics and therapeutics work.