TLDR RNA aptamers can specifically block FGF5-related cell growth, potentially treating related diseases or hair disorders.
Researchers developed RNA aptamers that specifically inhibited FGF5-induced cell proliferation without affecting FGF2-induced proliferation. One aptamer, F5f1, showed high affinity to FGF5 (Kd = 0.7 ± 0.2 nM) and not to other FGFs or FGFR1. A truncated version, F5f1_56, exhibited even higher affinity (Kd = 0.118 ± 0.003 nM). These aptamers could potentially be used therapeutically for FGF5-related diseases or hair disorders due to their high specificity and inhibitory effects on FGF5.
103 citations
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June 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” FGF signaling is a promising target for developing treatments for wounds, metabolic diseases, and cancer.
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July 2014 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” FGF5 gene mutations cause unusually long eyelashes by affecting hair growth regulation.
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