Selection of DNA Aptamers That Recognize α-Synuclein Oligomers Using a Competitive Screening Method

α-Synuclein (α-syn) oligomers are considered major molecules responsible for the onset of Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. α-Syn oligomers thus serve as an important target for the development of drugs and diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper we report on the identification of DNA aptamers that bind to soluble α-syn oligomers. A competitive screening method based on aptamer blotting was used for the selection of α-syn oligomer-specific aptamers. This approach resulted in the identification of eight aptamers that specifically bind to α-syn oligomers among α-syn monomers, oligomers, and fibrils. Interestingly, the aptamers also bound to amyloid β oligomers, which are strongly associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The results of this study support the hypothesis that amyloid oligomers share a common structure. Oligomer-binding aptamers may serve as powerful analytical tools for the design and development of drugs and diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative diseases.