Cell-SELEX: in vitro selection of synthetic small specific ligands.

Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) is an in vitro process enabling selection of nucleic acid molecules binding to target ligands with high binding affinity and specificity. The selection process involves several rounds of two successive steps: (1) binding of the oligonucleotides to the target under stringent conditions and (2) amplification of the target-bound nucleic acids by polymerase chain reaction. Using this strategy, RNA or DNA aptamers are selected upon recognition and binding to specific surface structures of the target. Aptamers generated during the final rounds of selection can be notably used in applications dedicated to diagnosis of diseases or therapeutic approaches.