A system for in vitro selection of fully 2′-modified RNA aptamers

Abstract

SFM4-3, KOD DGLNK, and Therminator polymerase are investigated for their compatibility with SELection with Modified Aptamers (SELMA), an aptamer discovery method that enables incorporation of large nucleobase modifications such as glycans. We demonstrated that with suitable modifications to the primer design and protocol, these enzymes are compatible with SELMA, enabling 2′-fluoro or 2′-methoxy ribose modifications at all positions. In the case of 2′-fluoro modifications, Therminator exhibits cleaner incorporation of an alkyne-modified nucleobase for click chemistry.