COVID-19: NEC’s artificial DNA aptamer: binds to the new corona
-Successful development for spatial monitoring-
NEC:
NEC Solution Innovators:
On May 6, it announced that it had succeeded in developing an artificial DNA aptamer that binds to SARS-CoV-2.
Developed an artificial DNA aptamer to promote the spatial monitoring business.
What is an aptamer:
Viruses, proteins, etc.
Recognize the three-dimensional structure of a specific target molecule,
Nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) that specifically binds.
Aptamer developed this time:
The newly developed aptamer recognizes and captures viruses by binding to RBD as a target.
Artificial DNA production by SELEX:
Technology to find sequences that strongly bind only to the object to be inspected (SELEX)
With SELEX, it is possible to artificially produce DNA.
In the case of the new corona
Virus surface:
The spike protein “RBD (receptor binding domain)” invades the surface of human cells.
Human cell surface:
The virus can invade human cells by binding to the “ACE2 receptor” of human cells on the surface of the virus.
Results of binding test with aptamers:
NEC Group:
Academic research institutes under joint research:
It has the following new coronaviruses.
Original strain (WK521 Wuhan strain),
Mutant strain (TY7-501 Brazilian strain),
Mutant strain (QK002 UK strain),
A binding evaluation test with aptamers was conducted using all three strains of virus.
Strong binding between aptamers and the new coronavirus was observed in all three strains.
MSS film type surface stress sensor:
NEC Solution Innovators
MSS (Membrane Surface Stress Sensor) and
In combination with an aptamer
Currently, we are developing a measuring device that can spatially monitor the new coronavirus.
Spatial monitoring device prototype:
2021:
Develop a prototype of a stationary space monitoring device.
Started providing monitoring equipment for virus measurement companies and university research institutes.
2022:
It will be sold and provided as an embedded device in air conditioners.
We provide a biosensing system that can monitor space.
TECH +
https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20210506-1884404/
NEC contributes to development of artificial DNA aptamer that binds to coronavirus
Tokyo, May 6, 2021
NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701)
NEC Solution Innovators
today announced the successful development of artificial DNA aptamers (*1) that bind to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
This breakthrough
stems from the NEC Group’s efforts to promote spatial monitoring business using aptamers, including the development of new biosensing systems,
such as measuring equipment that can monitor spaces where various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, are present.
Overview of Aptamers
SARS-CoV-2 enters into human cells
when the spike protein, Receptor-Binding Domain (*2, RBD), on the surface of the virus binds to the ACE2 receptors (*3) on the surface of human cells.
The aptamer developed by NEC Solution Innovators
targets RBD, which is the key to infection, then traps the virus by recognizing the three-dimensional structure of the RBD and binding very strongly to it (*4, a dissociation constant indicating the strength of the binding between molecules is less than 1nM).
This aptamer uses a new modified base called Base appended Base (*5, Patent No. 6763551),
which was developed by NEC Solution Innovators and Gunma University from 2014-2017 supported by a grant for “Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-driven R&D” (A-STEP)
from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
Three variants of SARS-CoV-2,
including
the original strain (WK521 Wuhan strain) and two mutant strains (TY7-501 Brazilian and QK002 UK strains)
are being studied by academic laboratories in collaboration with the NEC Group.
The binding assessment tests with aptamers were conducted in a biosafety level 3 (*6, BSL3) laboratory, which is allowed to handle SARS-CoV-2.
Binding assessment tests
were conducted using the Direct ELAA method (*7), in which viruses were adsorbed onto plates and detected with enzyme-labeled aptamers.
As a result, a strong binding of aptamers to SARS-CoV-2 was observed in all three strains.
Future Prospects
NEC is developing a measuring device
that enables spatial monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 by combining MSSs (*8, Membrane-type Surface Stress Sensor) and an aptamer that binds to SARS-CoV-2.
This measuring device
is designed to be used in spaces where people gather and spend time in close proximity, such as
public facilities,
restaurants,
lodging facilities,
event venues and offices.
In fiscal 2021, NEC expects to provide a prototype of a fixed-type spatial monitoring measuring device
for companies,
universities
and other research institutions
that perform virus measurement and other measures.
In addition, in fiscal 2022, NEC aims
to provide a biosensing system that can be used for space monitoring and as an embedded device for equipment such as air conditioners.
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