EV-SELEX: A Novel Platform for Rapid G Protein-Coupled Receptor Drug Discovery
Summary
Researchers use extracellular vesicles to rapidly identify highly specific DNA aptamers to target G protein-coupled receptors in drug development
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important therapeutic targets for numerous diseases. However, developing highly selective drugs for GPCRs remains a challenge. Researchers have now developed a new platform termed extracellular vesicle (EV)-Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment, which uses EVs to efficiently isolate potent DNA aptamers. Using this method, they identified an analgesic aptamer that targets μ-opioid receptor to mimic morphine-like activity, demonstrating the platform’s potential in accelerating drug discovery for GPCR-related conditions.
- Image title： Extracellular vesicle-SELEX for selecting DNA aptamers for target G protein-coupled receptors
- Image caption：Researchers propose a functional selection method called EV-SELEX that efficiently selects DNA aptamers for GPCRs, paving the way for the development of therapeutic drugs for intractable diseases.
- Credit：Prof. Toshihide Tabata from University of Toyama, Japan
- License type：Original content
- Usage restrictions：Cannot be reused without permission
Research Details
EV-SELEX: A Novel Platform for Rapid G Protein-Coupled Receptor Drug Discovery[PDF, 426KB]
Reference
Title of original paper
Efficient and Specific Selection of High-Affinity DNA Aptamers Targeting μ-Opioid Receptor via Functional Extracellular Vesicles
Journal
Communications Biology
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-10525-0
Additional information for EurekAlert
Latest Article Publication Date
7 July 2026
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Animals
Conflicts of Interest Statement
The authors declare no competing interests.
Media contact
Yumiko Kato
E-mail: 