Figure 8.

The Aptamers Exert Neuroprotective Effects against α-syn-Induced Cell Dysfuction by Inhibiting α-syn Aggregation and Promoting α-syn Degradation through Lysosomes

The selected two aptamers possessed the high affinity and specificity to bind to the N- and C termini of α-syn and inhibited the α-syn aggregation process in vitro (A). After these aptamers were delivered into the cells, they were efficient in reducing α-syn aggregation in vivo, and further targeted the α-syn to intracellular degradation through lysosomal pathway, consequently rescuing the mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular defects caused by α-syn overexpression (B).