%0 Journal Article
%T The Evolution and Application of a Novel DNA Aptamer Targeting Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 for Bone Regeneration.
%A Liu M
%A Kinghorn AB
%A Wang L
%A Bhuyan SK
%A Shiu SC
%A Tanner JA
%J Molecules
%V 29
%N 6
%D 2024 Mar 11
%M 38542880
%F 4.927
%R 10.3390/molecules29061243
%X Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) is an FDA-approved growth factor for bone regeneration and repair in medical practice. The therapeutic effects of rhBMP-2 may be enhanced through specific binding to extracellular matrix (ECM)-like scaffolds. Here, we report the selection of a novel rhBMP-2-specific DNA aptamer, functionalization of the aptamer in an ECM-like scaffold, and its application in a cellular context. A DNA aptamer BA1 was evolved and shown to have high affinity and specificity to rhBMP-2. A molecular docking model demonstrated that BA1 was probably bound to rhBMP-2 at its heparin-binding domain, as verified with experimental competitive binding assays. The BA1 aptamer was used to functionalize a type I collagen scaffold, and fraction ratios were optimized to mimic the natural ECM. Studies in the myoblast cell model C2C12 showed that the aptamer-enhanced scaffold could specifically augment the osteo-inductive function of rhBMP-2 in vitro. This aptamer-functionalized scaffold may have value in enhancing rhBMP-2-mediated bone regeneration.