Multidomain Targeting Generates a High‐Affinity Thrombin‐Inhibiting Bivalent Aptamer

Abstract

More than the sum of its parts. Multidomain targeting aptamers that target human α-thrombin at two distinct sites simultaneously have been synthesized and functionally characterized. The bivalent aptamer possesses improved activities over those of the individual precursor aptamers of which it is composed. Remarkably, the anticoagulant activity is improved more than 30-fold; this indicates that the fusion aptamer might represent a novel anticoagulant with immediate clinical relevance. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2268/2007/z700535_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.