MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR THE DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC NUCLEIC ACIDS TO TISSUES

Abstract
The present disclosure provides materials and methods for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic cells (and imaging agents) to tissues.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides materials and methods for the delivery of therapeutic nucleic cells (and imaging agents) to tissues.


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

This application contains, as a separate part of the disclosure, a Sequence Listing in computer readable form (Filename: 53048A_Seqlisting.txt; Size: 116,998 bytes; Created: May 8, 2019), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.


BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period caused by the insufficiency of the hormone insulin produced by the pancreatic beta cells. In particular, type 1 diabetes is caused by the progressive autoimmune destruction of beta cells whereas in type 2 diabetes insulin is not produced in quantities sufficient for the body needs. Although for many years the contribution of beta cell loss to type 2 diabetes was debated, in the last decade it became clear that a loss of beta cells is involved also in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (Rojas et al., Journal of Diabetes Research, vol. 2018, Article ID 9601801, 19 pages, 2018; Donath et al., Diabetes. 2005 December;54 Suppl 2:S108-13). Despite this knowledge to date there are no available methods to directly measure the number of beta cell (beta cell mass) in vivo or to deliver therapeutics specifically to these important cells. Indeed, methods to determine diabetes progression rely mostly on the indirect measurement (i.e the determination of glucose or c-peptide concentration in the blood) and cannot discriminate whether many cells produce little insulin or few cells produce large quantities of this hormone. Thus, these methods cannot measure the progressive beta cell loss in patients with diabetes. The lack of adequate marker specific for beta cell make also impossible to deliver therapeutics specifically to beta cells to halt or reverse beta cell loss.


RNA aptamers have emerged as effective delivery vehicles for siRNAs in the treatment of many human diseases because they actively enhance the intracellular accumulation of therapeutic cargo by receptor-mediated internalization or by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (35-39,43-74). The use of aptamers to deliver the therapeutic RNA of interest to the β cells offers advantage over the use of viral vectors such for example the transient modulation of the gene of interest, the lack of immunogenicity, and a great safety profile. To date, adenoviral vectors have been mostly used for efficient delivery of genes and siRNA to primary pancreatic islets in vitro (79-84). In vivo, however, beside the technical difficulties in using of viral vectors, their inherent immunogenicity and possible recombination with wild type virus raises serious safety concerns. Indeed, viral vectors can induce strong immune responses with secondary complications that may include multi-organs failure and even death (85). The advent of lentiviral vectors alleviated some of the immunogenicity concerns, but lentiviruses are not as efficient as adenoviruses in transducing intact human islets (86,87); although current in vitro protocols are being optimized88. Nevertheless, lentiviral integration in the genome still raises safety concerns, risks of insertional mutagenesis and recombination with wild type viruses.


SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of delivering one or more agents to a tissue comprising contacting the tissue with a construct comprising an aptamer that is specific for the tissue conjugated to the agent. In some embodiments, the tissue is from an organ selected from the group consisting of pancreas, heart, lung, kidney, stomach, skin and brain. In some embodiments, the tissue is pancreatic islets. In some embodiments, the agent is a therapeutic nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is a therapeutic RNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and saRNA. In some embodiments, the agent is an imaging reagent. Exemplary imaging reagents include, but are not limited to, fluorochromes, Positron emission tomography tracer such as Fluorine-18, oxygen-15, gallium 68, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents such as gadolinium, iron oxide, iron platinum and manganese. The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a small activating RNA (saRNA). In some embodiments, the aptamer is specific for human pancreatic islets. In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717.


In some embodiments, the aptamer is specific for clusterin (CLU, gene id 1191). In some embodiments, the aptamer is specific for “Transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein 6” (TMED6, gene id 146456).


In some embodiments, the tissue is adrenal tissue or bone marrow and the aptamer is 173-2273, 107-901 or m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is breast tissue, lung tissue or lymph node tissue and the aptamer is 107-901 and m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is brain cerebellum and the aptamer is 173-2273, 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is brain cerebral cortex tissue, pituitary tissue, colon tissue, endothelium tissue, esophagus tissue, heart tissue or kidney tissue and the aptamer is 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is fallopian tube tissue and the aptamer is m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is liver tissue and the aptamer is 166-279, 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is ovarian tissue and the aptamer is 107-901. In some embodiments, the tissue is placenta tissue and the aptamer is 166-270, 173-2273, 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239. In some embodiments, the tissue is prostate tissue and the aptamer is 173-2273 or 107-901. In some embodiments, the tissue is spinal cord tissue and the aptamer is 166-279 or 173-2273. In some embodiments, the tissue is testis tissue and the aptamer is 166-279, 173-2273, 107-901, m1-2623, m6-3239 and m12-3773. In some embodiments, the tissue is thymus tissue and the aptamer is 173-2273, 107-901 or mf-2623. In some embodiments, the tissue is thyroid tissue and the aptamer is m1-2623. In some embodiments, the tissue is ureter tissue and the aptamer is 107-901. In some embodiments, tissue is cervical tissue and the aptamer is 166-279. In some embodiments, the tissue is islets of Langerhans or pancreatic tissue and the aptamer is 166-279, 173-2273, 107-901, 1-717, m1-2623, m6-3239 or m12-3773.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of delivering one or more agents to pancreatic islets comprising contacting the islets with a construct comprising an aptamer that is specific for islets conjugated to the agent. In some embodiments, the agent is a therapeutic nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is a therapeutic RNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and saRNA. In some embodiments, the agent is an imaging reagent. Exemplary imaging reagents include, but are not limited to, fluorochromes, Positron emission tomography tracer such as Fluorine-18, oxygen-15, gallium 68, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents such as gadolinium, iron oxide, iron platinum and manganese. The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo.


In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717. In some embodiments, the aptamer is specific for clusterin (CLU, gene id 1191). In some embodiments, the aptamer is specific for “Transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein 6” (TMED6, gene id 146456).


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of measuring beta cell mass comprising contacting the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to an imaging reagent in an amount effective to measure the mass of the beta cell. In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717. In some embodiments, the imaging reagent is a fluorochrome. In some embodiments, the imaging reagent is a PET tracer. In some embodiments, the imaging reagent is a MRI contrast reagent. In some embodiments, the imaging reagent can be conjugated to the aptamer via chelators.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of modulating proliferation of beta cell comprising contacting the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a therapeutic nucleic acid in an amount effective to modulate proliferation of the beta cell. In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is a therapeutic RNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and saRNA. The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for inhibiting beta cell apoptosis comprising contacting the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a therapeutic nucleic acid in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis of the beta cell. In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is a therapeutic RNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and saRNA. In some embodiments the therapeutic RNA upregulate the protein XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis gene id 331). The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for inhibiting tissue graft apoptosis in a subject in need thereof comprising contacting the tissue graft with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a therapeutic nucleic acid in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis of the tissue graft. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is a therapeutic RNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and saRNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA upregulates the protein XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis gene id 331). The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo. In some embodiments, the tissue graft is from an organ selected from the group consisting of pancreas, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and skin. In some embodiments, the aptamer is a muscle specific aptamer and the tissue is heart tissue.


In some embodiments, the tissue is contacted with the therapeutic RNA that upregulates the protein XIAP in the absence of an aptamer. For example, in another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for inhibiting tissue graft apoptosis in a subject in need thereof comprising contacting the tissue graft with a therapeutic RNA that upregulates the protein XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis gene id 331) in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis of the tissue graft. The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo. In some embodiments, the tissue graft is from an organ selected from the group consisting of pancreas, heart, lung, kidney, stomach and skin.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for protecting a beta cell from T-cell mediated cytotoxicity of the beta cell comprising contacting the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a therapeutic nucleic acid in an amount effective to inhibit T cell mediated cytotoxicity of the beta cell. In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is able to increase immune checkpoint. In some embodiments, the therapeutic nucleic acid is a therapeutic RNA. In some embodiments, the therapeutic RNA is selected from the group consisting of siRNA and saRNA. In some embodiments the therapeutic RNA upregulate the protein CD274 (Programmed death-ligand 1, PDL1, gene id 29126). The contacting step can occur in vitro or in vivo.


In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating diabetes in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a small activating RNA (saRNA) in an amount effective to treat diabetes in the subject. In some embodiments, the aptamer is selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717.


In another aspect, one or more aptamers specific for the beta cells can be used in combination to increase delivery of the therapeutic agent or imaging reagents. In some embodiments, the aptamers are selected from the group consisting of M12-3773 and 1-717.


An aptamer comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 264 or 259 is also contemplated. In some embodiments, the aptamer is conjugated to an saRNA. In some embodiments, the saRNA upregulates the protein XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis gene id 331). In some embodiments, saRNA upregulates the protein CD274 (Programmed death-ligand 1, PDL1, gene id 29126,





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES


FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing HT-cluster SELEX as an unsupervised strategy for the isolation of aptamers specific for human islets using human islets and acinar tissue.



FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing HT-Toggle-cluster SELEX to isolate islets specific aptamers crossreacting between mouse and human.



FIG. 3 shows images resulting from HT-Toggle-cluster SELEX to isolate islets specific aptamers crossreacting between mouse and human.



FIG. 4 shows images resulting from HT-Toggle-cluster SELEX identifying monoclonal aptamers that recognize human islets but not human acinar tissue.



FIGS. 5A and 5B show that aptamers 1-717 (FIG. 5A) and M12-3772 (FIG. 5B) show an extraordinary specificity for human islets. FIG. 5C is a table showing the results of various tissue staining with various selected aptamers.



FIG. 6 shows that aptamers 1-717 and M12-3772 recognize mouse islets and other mouse tissues.



FIG. 7 shows that aptamers 1-717 and M12-3773 recognize preferentially human beta cells.



FIG. 8 shows that clusterin is a possible target for aptamer m12-3773.



FIG. 9 shows that TMED6 is the putative target for aptamer 1-717.



FIG. 10 shows that a mixture of aptamer 1-717 and m12-3773 recognize human islets in vivo better than the individual clones.



FIG. 11 shows that Aptamer 1-717 and M12-3773 allow the measurement of human beta cell mass in vivo. FIG. 11A is a schematic of the experiment performed in Example 2. FIGS. 11B and 11C show that fluorescence signal in the EFP region was proportional to the number of engrafted islets indicating that these aptamers can be used to measure β cell mass in vivo FIG. 11D: Syngeneic (Balb/c) or allogeneic (C57B1/6) ilsets were transplanted subcutaneously (in the right and left flank respectively) of immunocompetent Balb/c mice. Rejection was longitudinally monitored by injecting AF750-conjugated aptamer intravenously and by performing IVIS 5 hours later. Data show that rejection of the allogeneic C57B16 islet graft can be measured over time as seen by the loss of signal on the left flank. Instead signal (right) of the syngeneic islet graft is maintained over time indicating graft survival.



FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram aptamer chimera for the delivery of therapeutic RNA via islets specific aptamers.



FIG. 13 shows that islets specific aptamer chimera allows for the delivery of therapeutic RNA via islets specific aptamers.



FIG. 14 shows that p57kip2-siRNA-islet specific aptamer chimera induce human beta cell proliferation in vivo.



FIG. 15 shows the identification of small activating RNA (saRNA) specific for the human “X-Linked Inhibitor Of Apoptosis” (Xiap, Gene ID: 331).



FIG. 16. Xiap-saRNA aptamer chimera protect human beta cells from cytokine induced apoptosis.



FIG. 17A shows that the Xiap-saRNA/islet specific aptamer chimera protect beta cells from primary nonfunction. FIG. 17B is a schematic for the experiment described in Example 5. FIG. 17C: human Islets were cultured in media where chimera was added at 48 h, 24 h and on the day of transplantation 600 IEQ were transplanted per mouse in the left kidney capsule of streptozotocin diabetic NOG mice. Data showed that pretreatment of human islets with aptamer chimera greatly improve the efficacy of islet transplantation with approximately 80% of mice becoming normoglycemic by day 2. In contrast only 50% od mice engrafted with islets (P=0.02; nchimera treated=10; nuntreated=8) reverse diabetes and with a delayed kinetic.



FIG. 18. Identification of small activating RNA (saRNA) specific for the human “PDL1” (CD274, Gene ID: 29126).



FIG. 19. PDL1-saRNA/islet specific aptamer chimera upregulate PDL1 on human beta cells.



FIG. 20. PDL1-saRNA/aptamer chimera upregulate PDL1 in vivo.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in the Examples, therapeutic RNA/aptamer chimeras were generated to modulate gene expression in human β cells in vivo to induce their transient proliferation and improve their resistance to auto/alloimmunity. In particular, we have optimized and validate the use of islet-specific aptamers to deliver: A) siRNA against p57kip2 to induce β cell proliferation, B) saRNA promoting Xiap expression to protect islets from apoptosis, and C) saRNA promoting PDL1 expression to protect β from T cell cytotoxicity. Because of the absence of reliable humanized mouse model of autoimmune T1D, our approach is based on the use of NSG or humanized NSG mice transplanted with human islets before aptamer treatment. The use of human islets is dictated by species specific difference in p57kip2 biology (14) and by the specificity of PDL1 and Xiap saRNAs for the human genes. Ex vivo and innovative in vivo techniques are employed to quantify the response to in vivo treatment through imaging of β cell proliferation, apoptosis, and interaction with the immune system. We envision the use of these aptamers as mono or multimodal approach where difference genes can be modulated simultaneously.


The in vivo use of RNA aptamers is particularly appealing because this class of molecules has low immunogenicity, high capacity to penetrate deep into the tissues, and ability to recognize the cognate target with high affinity and specificity. The fluorinated backbone of the aptamers make them resistant to RNAse degradation and incapable to trigger TLR signaling (41,42). RNA aptamers have emerged as effective delivery vehicles for siRNAs and other drugs to specific cell subsets or tissues for the treatment of many human diseases (60,62-75). Indeed, through the interactions between the aptamer and its cellular membrane target, aptamers actively enhance the intracellular accumulation of therapeutic agents (37-39,43-61). Some aptamer drugs are FDA-approved and more than 30 are being tested in clinical trials (16-24). When administered in vivo, aptamers that do not find a specific target are rapidly eliminated via the kidney; those that find their target in tissues or cells remain detectable for up two weeks. Their bioavailability, plasma half-life, and pharmacokinetic properties can be easily engineered by increasing their size by the addition of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) during synthesis, or by conjugation with nanoparticles (60,62-74). Aptamers can be conjugated to siRNA, miRNA or saRNA to deliver the desirable therapeutic effect in specific targets. The ability to directly engineer aptamers with high specificity and defined functions is a distinct advantage over antibodies and other small molecules.


EXAMPLES
Example 1—Isolation of Monoclonal RNA Aptamer Specific for Human Islets

Unsupervised toggled-SELEX was performed starting with a polyclonal aptamer library against mouse islets and using islet depleted human acinar cells and handpicked human islets from 4 different cadaveric donors as negative and positive selectors, respectively. This allowed for the depletion of non-specific (acinar tissue binding) RNA aptamers and enrich the library for those aptamers specific for mouse and human islets.


As shown in FIG. 1, HT-cluster SELEX was used as an unsupervised strategy for the isolation of aptamers specific for human islets using human islets and acinar tissue. A random aptamer library was generated by PCR and Durascribe T7 RNA transcription from a cDNA random library (TCT CGG ATC CTC AGC GAG TCG TC TG (N40) CCG CAT CGT CCT CCC TA (SEQ ID NO: 413), comprising a 40-nt variable region flanked by two constant region. 5 ug (˜8.3×1013 aptamers) of this random library were depleted for aptamers binding the acinar tissue using islets depleted pancreata (negative selector) from cadaveric donors. Unbound aptamers were then incubated with hand-picked islets (100-300 IEQ as positive selector) from cadaveric donors. Islets were washed with PBS and islets-bound aptamers were recovered by RNA extraction and re-amplified by RT-PCR and T7-RNA polymerase using 2′-Fluorine-dCTP (2′-F-dCTP) and 2′-Fluorine-dUTP (2′-F-dUTP), ATP, and GTP for improved RNAse resistance. The resulting RNA aptamer library (Table 1), enriched for islets specific aptamers, was used for new selection cycle. A total of 8 selection cycles was performed using islets and acinar tissue from 4 unrelated cadaveric donors. Library from each cycles were HT sequenced and subject to bio-informatic analysis to perform frequency and cluster analysis and identify those monoclonal aptamer and family of aptamers enriched during the selection process. The most frequent monoclonal aptamers among the most frequent families present on the library from cycle 8 were chosen for empirical testing.


Table 2. Putative human islet specific aptamers isolated via cluster SELEX (from FIG. 1)









TABLE 2







Putative human islet specific aptamers isolated via cluster SELEX


(from FIG. 1)









aptamer




name
SEQ ID NO.
sequence





 279
  1
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUA




CCAUCGCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCG




ACA





2529
  2
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCA




CGAAACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2031
  3
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCA




UCUUCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1134
  4
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCA




UCGCCUCACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 664
  5
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCACACCAUC




G




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 877
  6
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCGUACCAUC




GC




CUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2437
  7
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAU




CGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1131
  8
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCC




UUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 436
  9
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GUC




UUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  19
 10
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GC




CUUACCGCUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 665
 11
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUGCCAUC




GCC




UUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 280
 12
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCCUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  79
 13
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUGCCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 278
 14
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCAUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 658
 15
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCCCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  37
 16
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUAUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 485
 17
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2617
 18
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGUACACUGAUUGCCUUUGUGUUAUG




AGCGACAGAUCUGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2273
 19
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCUUGUUUUCCUCUGUACCCCACUU




CCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 146
 20
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUCUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 657
 21
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUCCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 141
 22
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCGUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2048
 23
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCGUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 901
 24
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAU




ACGUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 268
 25
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGCCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 683
 26
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUCCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 655
 27
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUAUCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1427
 28
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCACCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 457
 29
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGACUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1141
 30
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 149
 31
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1759
 32
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCUUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 264
 33
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUUCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 259
 34
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACUAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1130
 35
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCAUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 453
 36
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCUUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1133
 37
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCUAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 883
 38
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAAACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 155
 39
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUAUCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  75
 40
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUCCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2049
 41
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCUGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1103
 42
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAU




CGCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 885
 43
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCAAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 281
 44
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUCCCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2381
 45
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAUUACCAACUUGAACGCCGAGAGUGU




GGUCACGUGUUCUGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 879
 46
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUUCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 292
 47
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUAUCCUCCAUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1511
 48
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUUAUGCGUUUAAGUCAUUGACGCGUU




ACACUGGAGGGGGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 148
 49
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCAUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 878
 50
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUAACAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 156
 51
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 266
 52
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUUAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 459
 53
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCAUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 668
 54
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUAACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1760
 55
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCUUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 661
 56
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUU




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1129
 57
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUACUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 438
 58
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUAGCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 277
 59
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCCUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  18
 60
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUAAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 152
 61
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




ACCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 460
 62
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUUCCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1370
 63
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCCCUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 717
 64
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGA




UAUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 456
 65
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUCCCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 876
 66
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCAUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 391
 67
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACUCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 659
 68
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUACAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 437
 69
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




CCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 143
 70
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCACCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 802
 71
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCGUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2192
 72
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAACAAACUAAUCAGACACGAGACAGA




GAGAUAGAUCUGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1736
 73
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCCUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 462
 74
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUAGCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 882
 75
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUA




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 140
 76
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACAAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 363
 77
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUACUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 275
 78
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGAUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 667
 79
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAAUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  36
 80
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GACUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 441
 81
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUGCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1383
 82
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCCUUGUUUUCCUCUGUACCCCACUU




CCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1429
 83
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCUUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 262
 84
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




UCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 451
 85
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUG




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 446
 86
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGGCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 265
 87
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUGAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 880
 88
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUACCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 323
 89
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCC




UGCCGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 458
 90
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCGUACCAUC




GCCUCACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 662
 91
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACAGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 682
 92
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 154
 93
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUGACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 282
 94
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUAACGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 449
 95
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGGUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  16
 96
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 900
 97
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2032
 98
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCGCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 267
 99
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAAC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  72
100
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCCUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1075
101
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCUCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 261
102
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GGCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 801
103
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 291
104
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 599
105
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCACGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 272
106
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUACGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 447
107
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGCCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUCACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  74
108
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGACAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 674
109
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





   4
110
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACGAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 455
111
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCGUACCAUC




GCCUUACCAUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 890
112
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCCCAUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 260
113
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCUUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  39
114
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUGCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  57
115
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGCAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 889
116
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCUCCAUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 828
117
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCCGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2016
118
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CCUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 666
119
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCGUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1738
120
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCAUCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 656
121
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUACGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 654
122
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAACCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 440
123
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCGCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 370
124
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCCCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 881
125
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCACACCAUC




GCCUUACCGCUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 150
126
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCUUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  73
127
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCGUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 670
128
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCGUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 263
129
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUGCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 270
130
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUGUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1137
131
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUAUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUCCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 238
132
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 603
133
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 827
134
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCGCCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1192
135
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAGGUGCGGGAUCUAAUGCGUAGACA




GCCAUAUACUGACACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 117
136
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




ACCCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 448
137
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUGCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1739
138
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 576
139
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCGCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 185
140
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCC




CUGCCGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2131
141
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAAAAACUGAUAAACACAGGUCCGGCA




UUUGAGCGUACACCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 823
142
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCGUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  40
143
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  38
144
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 560
145
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUGUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1183
146
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCUUCCCUAUUCCAAAGGAGGUGCGGU




ACGUUUUGUUACGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 435
147
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACUAUC




GCCCUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 273
148
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCACACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCAUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 439
149
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUGCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1082
150
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACCUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 321
151
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGUACCCUGAUUGCCUUUGUGUUAUG




AGCGACAGAUCUGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 562
152
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCACCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1735
153
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCGUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 106
154
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUACACUCAGUCACGUAGCACCGCAGU




GACCCUUUGUACCGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1487
155
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCAGCCACACUUUGACCGAAUUGGCA




AGCGCGGGCAAAUCGAACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 581
156
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




CACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1063
157
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 480
158
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1061
159
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCCUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1479
160
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGCUGUGCCGGCCCUGCUCUGGUCGC




CAUUGUCAGUCUGUGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1392
161
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUCCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 225
162
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCUUGUUUUUCCUCUGUACCCCACU




UCCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1856
163
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAUUAUUGUUUGACGUAUUCCAAGUGA




GAUUACGCACGCACCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 269
164
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUAUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUCCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 829
165
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCCCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 800
166
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUUAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 389
167
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCUCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  28
168
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUGUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1737
169
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCC




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1052
170
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCACGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 405
171
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 317
172
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGGGAUUGAU




ACGUGCCCAGUCAGCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1716
173
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 623
174
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAU




CGCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 305
175
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 686
176
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCCACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 151
177
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 178
178
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCACCACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAU




ACGUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1085
179
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACGCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1428
180
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAAGCCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1401
181
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGACACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





   1
182
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCCACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAU




ACGUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 799
183
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGUUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  98
184
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCC




UGCCGACGCUUCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 550
185
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGUUUCACCUCUAGGAGCACUGAA




AGCCAACCUUCGCGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2279
186
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCCUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2047
187
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCACAUCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 490
188
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCCCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 606
189
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUGUCAUCUU




CACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2019
190
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCGCGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1393
191
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCUAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 678
192
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAU




CGCCCUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1051
193
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCUGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 109
194
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCGCUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 145
195
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGGCAUCCUCCACACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 469
196
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUCAUCGC




CUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1076
197
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAACUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1373
198
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUCAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2272
199
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACAA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1100
200
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCCCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 452
201
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCACACCAUC




GCCUUACUGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1720
202
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AAUCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1374
203
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGCUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 283
204
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCAUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1724
205
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCUUGUUUCCCUCUGUACCCCACUU




CCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1083
206
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




CCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2282
207
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACUGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 663
208
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GUCUUACCUUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 172
209
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 153
210
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCACUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 324
211
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCC




UGCUGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2132
212
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGUACACUGAUUGCCUUUGUGUUAUG




GGCGACAGAUCUGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1390
213
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUCCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1400
214
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGCCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1380
215
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCUCGUUUUCCUCUGUACCCCACUU




CCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1721
216
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUAACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 375
217
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCCCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1064
218
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACCGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 787
219
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUCGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 848
220
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCA




UCGCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 575
221
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCCCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 240
222
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAGAUUUCGUCAUCAUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 210
223
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGCACUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 351
224
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCCCUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CCUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 554
225
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAAUCUCCCGAACGCAUUAGUCAGUCC




CAUACCCGUGUGCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 789
226
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGUGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 288
227
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 785
228
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUCUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1430
229
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1053
230
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




UAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





2158
231
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAUUACCAACUUGAACGCCGAGAGUGU




GGUCAUGUGUUCUGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 892
232
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUGCCAU




CGCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 596
233
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGGAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 454
234
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCACACCAUC




GCCUUACCCUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1763
235
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GUCUUACCGUUCUGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 605
236
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1073
237
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCUUGUUUUCCUCUGUACCCCACUU




CCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 791
238
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAGCG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  77
239
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 568
240
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGAAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 803
241
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCCCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 571
242
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACG




CAUCGUUAUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 585
243
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCUUGUUUUCCUCCGUACCCCACUU




CCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 851
244
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCUGAUUUCGUCAUCCCCCAUACCAUC




GCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 601
245
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAUGCGGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 706
246
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCC




UGCGGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





1391
247
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCAUCU




UCACCCCCAGGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 471
248
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUAUCCUCCGUACCAUCG




CCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





 116
249
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGAUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGA




AACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





  47
250
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUC




GCCUCCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA









As shown in FIG. 2, HT-Toggle-cluster SELEX was used to isolate islet-specific aptamers crossreacting between mouse and human. 8 cycles of HT-cluster SELEX were performed as described in FIG. 1 using as negative and positive selectors mouse acinar tissues and mouse islets respectively (FIG. 2A). The resulting polyclonal aptamer from cycle 8 was used for two additional cycle of selection using either acinar tissue and islets from mice or acinar tissue and islets isolated from cadaveric donors (FIG. 2B). The resulting polyclonal aptamer library underwent HT-sequencing and bio-informatic analysis (FIG. 2C) to determine the frequency of each monoclonal aptamer present in the library selected using mouse or human tissues. Monoclonal aptamers (Table 3) enriched in the human library (putative aptamers against human islets, rectangular selection) were chosen for empirical testing. Table 3 provides also putative aptamers against human islets.


Table 3—aptamer sequences specific for human islets









TABLE 3







aptamers specific for human islets










SEQ




ID



name
NO:
Sequence





 166-
251
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACC


 279

AUCGCCUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGG




AUCCGAGA





 109-
252
GGAGGACGAUGCGGUGAAUUCUUCCGGCACUUUGUCA


2031

UCUUCACCCCCAUGCUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAU




CCGAGA





 208-
253
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCA


2529

CGAAACCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAU




CCGAGA





  64-
254
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGA


2437

ACGCAUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGG




AUCCGAGA





 173-
255
GGAGGACGAUGCGGACCUUGUUUUCCUCUGUACCCCA


2273

CUUCCCCAUUUCUCCCUGCUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGA




UCCGAGA





  12-
256
GGAGGACGAUGCGGUGUACACUGAUUGCCUUUGUGU


2617

UAUGAGCGACAGAUCUGCCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAU




CCGAGA





 107-
257
GGAGGACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUU


 901

GAUACGUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUC




CGAGA





 155-
258
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUAC


1103

CAUCGCCUUACCGUUCCCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCC




GAGA





   1-
259
GGAGGACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAAC


 717

GGGAUAUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAU




CCGAGA





m1-
260
GGAGGACGAUGCGGUACACUCAGUCACGUAGCACCGC


2623

AGUGACCCUUUGUACCGCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUC




CGAGA





m5-
261
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCCUAGUACAAAAGCCUGAUCUCU


3229

GUGAGCAGACACUAGAACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUC




CGAGA





m7-
262
GGAGGACGAUGCGGAUUACCAACUUGAACGCCGAGAG


2539

UGUGGUCACGUGUUCUGCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUC




CGAGA





m9-
263
GGAGGACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUU


3076

GAUACGUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUC




CGAGA





m12-
264
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCAACAAACUAAUCAGACACGAGAC


3773

AGAGAGAUAGAUCUGCCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCC




GAGA





m24-
265
GGAGGACGAUGCGGCAGGUGCGGGAUCUAAUGCGUA


3219

GACAGCCAUAUACUGACACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUC




CGAGA









Table 4. Putative human islet specific aptamers isolated via toggle-cluseter SELEX (from FIG. 2)









TABLE 4







Putative human islet specific aptamers isolated via 


toggle-cluster SELEX (from FIG. 2)









aptamer




name
SEQ ID NO:
sequence





m2-1
266
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAGGUGCGGGGUCUAAUGCGUAGACAG




CCAUAUACUGACACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2-2
267
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAGGGGCGGGGUCUAAUGCGUAGACAG




CCAUAUACUGACACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m322-3
268
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUGC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m323-4
269
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAU




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m630-5
270
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGUAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m631-6
271
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGGUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m635-7
272
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCGGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m636-8
273
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACGCUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m685-9
274
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGUUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m703-10
275
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUCCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m705-11
276
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAAUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m706-12
277
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAGCGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1024-13
278
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACCAUCGCUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1028-14
279
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGUACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1146-15
280
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGGAGGCAGUCACUAAUCUUCACUUCC




CUUAGACAUGCGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1157-16
281
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGUGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1161-17
282
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACAUUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1164-18
283
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAGGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1164-19
284
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGGAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1166-20
285
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAAUACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1170-21
286
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGGGAUUGAUAC




GUGCCCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1200-22
287
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGACA




CCUCUCUCACUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1233-23
288
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUACGGAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1234-24
289
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUGGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1246-25
290
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGGUUGUUCGCCAUACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1259-26
291
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCCCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1260-27
292
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCACAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1303-28
293
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUGCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUCGC




CUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1617-29
294
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCACGCGUAGUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1684-30
295
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGUACACUGAUUGCCUUUGGGUUAAGA




GCGACAGAUCCGGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1721-31
296
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCGACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1723-32
297
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGGGAUUGAUAC




GUGCCCAGUCAGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1793-33
298
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGCGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1794-34
299
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGAGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1800-35
300
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




ACGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1800-36
301
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AAGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1808-37
302
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGCUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1809-38
303
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUAUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1810-39
304
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUGCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1811-40
305
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUACGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1812-41
306
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCAAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1820-42
307
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAAUGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m1823-43
308
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCGCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2124-44
309
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGACCGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2149-45
310
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAUUACCAACUUGAACGCCGAAAGUGGGG




UCACGUUUUCCGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2219-46
311
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCGGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2272-47
312
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGUGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2284-48
313
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2288-49
314
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGGUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2502-50
315
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2514-51
316
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCACGCGAAUUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2548-52
317
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCGCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2569-53
318
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAUUACCAACUUGAACGCCGAGAGUGUGG




UCACGUGUUCUGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2578-54
319
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCACAUACUGACAAUGGUUACCAGAGCAG




GUCCGGCACAUCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2581-55
320
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUUACGCGUUUAAGUCAUUGACGCGUUAC




ACUGGAGGGGGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2623-56
321
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUACACUCAGUCACGUAGCACCGCAGUGA




CCCUUUGUACCGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2675-57
322
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGUGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2708-58
323
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCGGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2715-59
324
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCAGAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2726-60
325
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUGGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2728-61
326
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUAGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2856-62
327
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCGGAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACGC




AUCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2908-63
328
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUGAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2913-64
329
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCGCGCGUAUUGCGAACGCA




UAGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2929-65
330
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAACAAACUAAUCAGACACGAGGCAGAA




AGAUAGGUCCGGCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m2951-66
331
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGUAGCGAGAAUCGCGUUGUUGGGUGG




UCUGUUGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3075-67
332
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUUAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3076-68
333
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3076-69
334
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3076-70
335
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUGGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3076-71
336
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGGCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3076-72
337
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGAAGCAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUACG




UGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3076-73
338
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGCAGCACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3078-74
339
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGGGAAGUAACACUUAGUCGCGAUUGAUAC




GUGCGCAGUCAUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3092-75
340
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAACUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3100-76
341
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGUGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3101-77
342
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGUU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3104-78
343
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCGAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3117-79
344
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGAUUUCGUCAUGCUCCAUACCAUCGC




CUUACCGUUCCGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3211-80
345
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCGCGCGUAUUGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3219-81
346
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAGGUGCGGGAUCUAAUGCGUAGACAG




CCAUAUACUGACACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3219-82
347
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAGGGGCGGGAUCUAAUGCGUAGACAG




CCAUAUACUGACACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3229-83
348
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCUAGUACAAAAGCCUGAUCUCUGUGAG




CAGACACUAGAACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3248-84
349
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUGUACACUGAUUGCCUUUGUGUUAUGA




GCGACAGAUCUGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3250-85
350
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAUACACACUUGACUUUAGGGAACGAAC




CUCUAGCCGUGGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3265-86
351
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCCU




GCUGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3428-87
352
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCGUCUCGCUCUCAUCCCAUGCACGAAA




CCUCUCUCAGUGCACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3435-88
353
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGGGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3435-89
354
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAC




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3435-90
355
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGAGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3435-91
356
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGAAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3435-92
357
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAAGUGCGGAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3500-93
358
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCCAUCACUCCCGCGUAUGGCGAACGCA




UCGUUAUUUAGCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3523-94
359
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCAUGGAUUCAUUACAGGAGGUGCGGU




GCUAUAUGCACGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3546-95
360
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCAGCCACACUUUGACCGAAUUGGCAAG




CGCGGGCAAAUCGAACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3548-96
361
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCCUAGUACAAAAGCCUGAUCUUUGGGAA




CCGACCCUAGGACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3550-97
362
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCUUACAGCUCACCAUUUAUGGGAGGCCC




GGUGUUGUGUUCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3565-98
363
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAUUAUUGUUUGACGUAUUCCAAGUGAGA




UUACGCACGCACCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3568-99
364
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGAACAGCUUAAUCGCCAGUCGAUACGCGC




CAUACAUCAUCACAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3745-100
365
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGAUGCGGAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3745-101
366
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGAAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3748-102
367
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGAUUUCGUCAUCCUCCAUACCAUCGC




CUUACCGUUCAGCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3773-103
368
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAACAAACUAAUCAGACACGAGACAGAG




AGAUAGAUCUGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3788-104
369
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUUAUGCGUUUAAGUCAUUGACGCGUUAC




ACUGGAGGGGGCCAGACGACUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3823-105
370
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCCU




GCGGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3831-106
371
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCUUACAGCUCACCAUUUUUGGGAGGCC




CGGUGUUGUGUUCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3845-107
372
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCCU




GCCGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3997-108
373
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUAGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3997-109
374
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGAAGGUGCGGAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3997-110
375
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAGGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAU




AUGGAUUGUUCGCCCGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m3997-111
376
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUAAUUCUCAAGAGGUGCGGAACGGGAUA




UGGAUUGUUCGCCAGUCAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m4097-112
377
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAAAAACUGAUAAACACAGGUCCGGCAU




UUGAGCGUACACCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m4110-113
378
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUCGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCCU




GCCGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m4275-114
379
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGUUAUGCGUUUAAGUCAUUGACGCGUUAC




ACUGGAGGGGGCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m4347-115
380
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGCAAAAAACUGAUAAACACAGGUCCGGCA




UUUGAGCGUACACCCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA





m4365-116
381
GGAGGAGCUACGAUGCGGACGGAGGAUAGUUGCUAAUCGAGCCCU




GCCGACGCUUCAGACAGACGACUCGCUGAGGAUCCGACA









Next, the specificity for human islets of the identified monoclonal aptamers were tested with the two high throughput cluster SELEX strategies described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Briefly, monoclonal aptamers corresponding to the sequences identified by the bio-informatic analysis were generated by PCR and T7 RNA polymerase using overlapping oligonucleotides as template. The resulting monoclonal aptamers were labelled with Cyanin-3 and used as fluorescent probes on sections of human pancreas from cadaveric donor. Clone number is reported with the prefix “m” indicating the identification of aptamer from the HT-Toggle cluster SELEX. Data show that while some aptamers (m166-279, m5-3229, 107-901, m7-2537, m9-3076, 1-717, 173-2273, m12-3772) show a good specificity for the islets, others label also the acinar tissue (12-2617, 109-2031, m1-2623, m24-3219), and others did not show any staining (208-2529, 155-1113, 64-2437).


In order to evaluate further the specificity of the chosen monoclonal aptamers, the best performers of FIG. 4 (166-279, 173-2273, 107-901, 1-717, m1-2623, m5-3239, and m12-3773) were used to stained FDA approved tissues microarrays. Each of these arrays contains sections from 30 human tissues (with each tissue replicated from 3 different donors) and are usually used for antibodies screening but have not yet been used for aptamer evaluation. Briefly, these tissues microarrays were stained with the chosen cy3 labelled RNA aptamers of irrelevant aptamers as control. Each tissue was then analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. While most of the aptamers show binding not only as expected in the pancreatic islet but also in other tissues (FIG. 5C), aptamer 1-717 (FIG. 5A) and aptamer m12-3773 (FIG. 5B) show an extraordinary specificity for the pancreatic islets and negligible binding to the other tissues evaluated (adrenal, bone marrow, breast, brain, colon, endothelial, esophagus, fallopian tube, heart, kidney, liver, lung, lymph node, Ovary, placenta, prostate, skin, spinal cord, spleen, muscle, stomach, testis, thymus, thyroid, ureter, uterus, and testis).


To evaluate if aptamer 1-717 and m12-3772 can recognize not only human islets but also the mouse counterpart, staining with these two Cy-3 labelled monoclonal aptamers were performed on tissues microarrays each containing 11 tissues from healthy mice. These experiments show that both aptamer 1-717 and aptamer m12-3773 can also recognize mouse islets. See FIG. 6. However, in contrast to what observed on human tissues, both aptamers can recognize at different level not only the pancreatic tissue but also the spleen, the stomach, and the jejunum. These data suggest that differences in the distribution of the cognate targets may exist between the two species.


To evaluate better the specificity of the aptamers within the islets, two different techniques were employed: confocal microscopy (FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) and flow cytometry (FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D). For confocal microscopy, sections of human pancreas were stained with cy-3 labelled aptamer M12-3773 (FIG. 7A) or cy3-labeled aptamer 1-717 (FIG. 7B). Sections were counterstained with antibodies against insulin and glucagon, and DAPI and evaluated by confocal microscopy. Data show binding of both aptamers to both alpha and beta cells but with an higher signal on beta cells.


For flow cytometry, single cell suspension of human islets were stained with Cy3 labelled aptamer M12-3773 (FIG. 7C) or cy3-labeled aptamer 1-717 (FIG. 7D), counterstained with vital dye and antibodies specific for insulin and glucagon, and analyzed. Aptamer signal (open histograms) was quantified on the alpha (top histograms) or beta cells (right histograms) after gating respectively on glucagon positive or insulin positive cells (contour plot). An irrelevant aptamer (filled histograms) was used as negative control.


Clusterin is a possible target for aptamer m12-3773. 3′biotin-aptamer m12-3773 was synthetized with a oligo synthesizer and used to label single cell suspension from human islets. Cells were washed and their cytoplasm lysed with tween20/BSA solution. Aptamers bound to their ligand recovered with magnetic beads and magnetic separation. Capture ligands were released by the aptamer-beads complex at 95° C. in SDS and run in SDS page. Bands were cut and subjected to mass spectrometry and mascot-based analysis (FIG. 8A). Clusterin (UniProtKB-P10909) (FIG. 9B) was one of the protein with the higher score (236), had an elevated sequence covered from peptides identified by mass spectrometry, had a molecular weight compatible to the one of the band cut from the SDS page, and more importantly, was the only one of the tested one whose silencing reduced the capacity of aptamer m12-7337, but not of aptamer 1-717, to bind to beta cells (FIG. 8C).



FIG. 9 shows that TMED6 is the putative target for aptamer 1-717. FIG. 9A shows the experimental strategy to detect the target for aptamer 1-717. To identify the target of aptamer 1-717, protein arrays (HuProt™v2.0, Arrayit) were used. These protein arrays contains more than 19,000 human recombinant proteins allowing, by informatics analysis, the identification of the cognate protein of antibodies, peptides, or protein. This technology has been adapted for the identification of aptamer's ligands. Briefly, pre-blocked arrays were hybridized with 1 μg of cy3 labeled 1-717 or m12-3773 in blocking buffer for 30′ at RT. Arrays were washed, read in triplicate on a Genepix microarray reader and analyzed by an ad hoc generated software. This software 1) acquires the data from the gpr file, 2) adds a description column with (GeneID, Control, blank, ND), 2) use a optimized “plotArray” function modified in several points (the script was implemented for a specific protein array, plus some problem in UTF file format), 3) performs a quality control that includes a microarray image rebuilding the generation of MA plots, 4) normalized the data and substracts the background; and 5) analyze the differential expression between arrays via graphs of p-value distribution, volcano plot, and analysis of significant modulation by t-test. This analysis proposed TMED6 (NM144676.1, protein id Q8WW62) as the most likely ligand of aptamer 1-717. See FIG. 9B. Competitive assays (FIG. 9C) confirm the specificity of this target. As shown in FIG. 9C, competitive assays confirm the specificity of aptamer 1-717 for TMED6. Briefly, serial sections of human pancreas were stained with Cy-3 labelled aptamer 1-717 in the presence of different concentration of recombinant TMED6 protein (i.e., molar ratio aptamer/recombinant protein range=1/1-1/10). Images were acquired by a fluorescence microscope and aptamer binding quantified by cellprofiler. Data show that addition of recombinant TMED6 inhibit aptamer 1-717 binding in a dose dependent manner strongly suggesting that TMED6 is the target of this aptamer.


Example 2—Identified Aptamers were Islet Specific in vivo

To evaluate whether aptamer 1-717 and m12-3773 can recognize human islets in vivo, we employed immunodeficient NSG mice engrafted with human islets in the epydidimal fatpad. Additionally, we use a new formulation of aptamer 1-717 and aptamer m12-3773 in which each monoclonal aptamer is biotinylated and complexed with streptavidin to form a tetrameric nanoparticle (hereafter called tetraptamer). This formulation has a superior pharmacokinetic and better affinity than the corresponding monomeric aptamer.


Biotin/streptavidin Alexafluor (AF750)-labeled aptamers (amptamer 1-717 or aptamer m12-3773, or an equimolar mixture of the two aptamers) were injected intravenously in immunodeficient NSG mice (engrafted with human islets in the epididymal fat pad (EFP)) to evaluate whether m12-3773 and 1-717 can recognize human islets in vivo. A cumulative-synergistic signal was observed in the EFP region when the mixture of both aptamers was used possibly because different islet epitopes were targeted by each aptamer (FIG. 10A). 4 hour later fluorescence signal in epididymal fat pad region was measure by “In vivo imaging system (IVIS)”. The data in FIG. 10B shows that both aptamer 1-717 and aptamer m12-3773 can recognize the islets in vivo. Additionally this experiment reveals that the use of an equimolar mixture of the two aptamers significantly increase the signal to background ratio.


To determine if aptamers m12-3773 and 1-717 can be used to measure β mass in vivo, immune deficient NSG mice were transplanted with different quantities (range 62.5-500 IEQ) of human islets in the epididymal fatpad. 21 days later, mice were injected iv with Alexafluor 750 tetraptamer generated by the complexation of an equimolar mixture of aptamer 1-717 and m12-3773 to streptavidin. 4 hours later signal was quantified by IVIS. FIG. 11A. Aptamers m12-3773 and 1-717 recognized both the mouse endogenous islets and the human islets transplanted in the EFP (FIG. 11B). Importantly, fluorescence signal in the EFP region was proportional to the number of engrafted islets indicating that these aptamers can be used to measure β cell mass in vivo (FIGS. 11B and 11C). The signal from the islets persisted for 10 days after injection (not shown). As shown in FIG. 11D, rejection of the allogeneic C57B16 islet graft can be measured over time as seen by the loss of signal on the left flank. Instead signal (right panel of FIG. 11D) of the syngeneic graft is maintained over time indicating graft survival.


In summary, the selected aptamers m12-3773 and 1-717 bind mouse and human β cells with good specificity in vitro and in vivo and thus may be useful in targeting therapeutics to human β in vivo.


Example 3—Aptamera Chimera can Deliver Therapeutic RNA to Islets

As shown in FIG. 12, islet-specific RNA aptamers 1-717 and m12-3773 can be easily conjugated to therapeutic RNA by prolonging their 3′ end with a trinucleotide linker region (i.e. GGG) and the passanger strand (passanger tail) of the desired therapeutic RNA. The therapeutic RNA guide strand is then simply annealed to the modified aptamer by admixing equimolar quantities of the two RNAs at 70° C. and allowing the mixture to slowly cool down at room temperature.


To evaluate if aptamers can be a non-viral alternative for transfecting β cells, we conducted proof of principle experiments aimed to knockdown via aptamer delivery insulin (INS) 1 and 2 in non-dissociated mouse islets. FIG. 13A is a schematic of the experimental procedure. Islets specific aptamer chimera were generated as detailed in FIG. 12 by conjugating aptamer 1-717 or aptamer m12-3773 with siRNA specific for mouse insulin 1/2 (INS1/2) or the inhibitor of cell proliferation human p57kip2 (uniprot P49918, alias CDN1c). The INS1/2-siRNA/aptamer chimera was added to non-dissociated mouse islets whereas the p57kip2-siRNA/aptamer chimera was added to human islets from a cadaveric donor. Scramble siRNA/aptamer chimera were used as negative controls. 72 hours later, expression of INS1/2 and p57kip2 was quantified by qRT-PCR on transfected mouse islets and transfected human islets respectively. As shown in FIG. 13B, the aptamer chimera significantly downregulate the expression of the target gene.


As shown in FIG. 14, p57kip2-siRNA-islet specific aptamer chimera induce human beta cell proliferation in vivo. FIG. 14A shows the experimental procedure: Streptozotocin-treated, immune deficient NSG mice were transplanted with a suboptimal quantity (250 IEQ) of human islets in the anterior chamber of the eye. Mice were maintained euglycemic by s.c. implantation of insulin pellet. 21 days later, when islets were vascularized, insulin pellet was removed to allow the development of hyperglycemia, mice were fed with BrdU for 7 days to evaluate cell proliferation, and treated with i) scramble-siRNA/aptamer chimera, or ii) p57kip2-siRNA/aptamer chimera. Nine days after treatment, mice were humanely euthanized, and beta and alpha cell proliferation was evaluated by immune fluorescence microscopy after labeling the graft sections with antibodies against insulin, glucagon, and BrDU (white). FIG. 14B provides immunofluorescence pictures of the graft from mice treated with control chimera or p57kip2-siRNA/aptamer chimera. Glucagon and insulin staining is depicted in dark gray as pseudocolor whereas BrdU staining as measure of cell proliferation is depicted in white as pseudocolor. FIG. 14C shows quantification of proliferating beta and alpha cells. Taken together these data indicate that p57kip2-siRNA/aptamer chimera can induce in vivo human beta cell proliferation in a hyperglycemic setting that mimic T1 and T2 diabetes.


P57kip2 silencing in β cells has important therapeutic implications. Indeed, mutations of p57Kip2 are associated with focal hyperinsulinism of infancy (FHI), a clinical syndrome characterized by a dramatic non-neoplastic clonal expansion of β cells (14), overproduction of insulin, and severe uncontrollable hypoglycemia (89,90). FHI's focal lesions are characterized by excessive β cell proliferation that correlates with p57kip2 loss (91,92). Although the pro-proliferative activity of p57kip2 silencing is not desirable in FHI and in cancers, a temporally defined silencing might be useful to promote adult β cell proliferation in T1D. Indeed, adenoviral-shRNA mediated silencing of p57kip2 in human islets obtained from deceased adult organ donors increased β cell replication by more than 3-fold once the islets were transplanted into hyperglycemic, immune-deficient mice (14). The newly replicated cells retained properties of mature β cells, such as expression of insulin, PDX1, and NKX6.114. Interestingly, no β cell proliferation was observed in normoglycemic mice indicating that hyperglycemia may provide additional pro-proliferative signals (93). These findings opened the possibility for a new therapeutic intervention to restore an adequate β cell mass in patients with T1D and/or to reduce the number of islets needed during transplantation. However, to date the translatability of these finding was hindered by safety concerns associated with use of viral vectors and neoplasm formation as a result of stable p57Kip2silencing. Indeed, p57Kip2 is frequently downregulated in human cancers (94) and has been proposed as a tumor suppressor gene since its ectopic expression is sufficient to halt neoplastic cell proliferation (94). However, a temporally controlled modulation of p57kip2 through aptamer delivery may be important in diabetes to increase β cell proliferation in a temporally controlled manner. This might be sufficient to increase β cell mass during timed administrations while avoiding the safety concerns with non-controllable, neoplastic-like proliferation of β that may results with stable silencing.


Example 4—Upregulation of XIAP via saRNA-Aptamer Chimera Inhibits Apoptosis in βCells

Apoptotic cell death is a hallmark in the loss of insulin-producing β in all forms of diabetes (99-101). Leukocytes infiltration and activation as well as high glycemia within the islets leads to high local concentrations of apoptotic trigger including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species 99. Most of these apoptotic pathways converge onto caspase (CASP) 3 and 7 activation leading to genetic reprogramming, phosphatidylserine flip, and apoptotic bodies formation (102).


β cell apoptosis can further feed the autoimmune process by stimulating self-antigen presentation and autoreactive T cell activation (103). Similarly, in islets transplantation setting, primary non-function, i.e. the partial but significant and sometimes total loss of the grafted islet mass, which occurs early after transplantation (104-106). β cell apoptosis initiates during the isolation procedure and upon transplantation is exacerbated by hypoxia and hyperglycemia as well as pro-coagulatory and proinflammatory cascades (107). Primary-non-function accounts for more than 50% of the functional islet mass loss occurring during the first 48 hours after transplantation (106).


Thus, blocking even temporally apoptotic β cell death is highly desirable not only to preserve β cell mass in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and in islet transplantation but also to reduce auto-reactive T cell activation and further immune damage.


This protein is most potent member of the apoptosis-inhibitor family and prevents the activation of CASP 3, 7 and 9 (108); ii) Xiap overexpression using viral vector improved β cell viability, prevented their cytokine- or hypoxia-induced apoptosis (109-111), iii) Xiap transduced human islets prolonged normoglycemia when are transplanted in diabetic NOD-SCID mice (11). However, since Xiap is upregulated in many cancers, its stable overexpression raise important safety concerns. Therefore, a controlled Xiap activation via saRNA delivered with islets specific aptamers can be useful alternative to reduce primary nonfunction, prevent β cell loss and the self-feeding autoimmune process in T1D.


Small activating RNAs (saRNAs) are oligonucleotides that exert their action in specific promoter regions and upregulate mRNA and protein expression for up to 4 weeks (depending on cell replication, mRNA and protein turn-over) (112-122). saRNA-mediated gene upregulation through mechanisms still not fully understood but is thought to involve epigenetic changes or down-modulation of inhibitory RNA (123-125). saRNAs provide safe, specific, and temporary gene activation without the insertion of DNA elements since their specificity is comparable to that of gRNA in CRISP/CAS9 system but no irreversible DNA modification are induced 126. While therapeutic saRNAs are being investigated for cancer treatment, to our knowledge no studies have been performed in T1D (127-130).


Therefore, we have identified saRNAs capable of specifically upregulating the anti-apoptotic gene XIAP. Briefly, we have first examined the human XIAP promoter using the previously described algorithms (112,131). This analysis that includes genome blast analysis to avoid non-specific sequences, returned more than 156 putative saRNA target regions. We synthetized the 96 putative saRNA with highest scores and tested them for their capacity to upregulate Xiap by transfecting the human epithelial cell line A549. This cell line was used because it is easily transfectable, has low basal expression of PDL1 and Xiap. qRT-PCR was performed 96 hours after transfection and results were normalized on the same cell line transfected with scrambled saRNA (FIG. 15). Twelve saRNAs (provided in Table 5) were found to upregulate Xiap expression more than 10 times (range 10.4-74.8) over scrambled saRNA.









TABLE 5







saRNA sequences to upregulate human Xiap















SEQ




Fold

ID



Position
change
Xiap saRNA sequence
NO:







 −234
74.8083
UAGCUGAAGUUCAUCUCUCuu
382







−1134
46.7026
UUUCAGCCUUAAGGAUGGUuu
383







 −449
37.1938
UUUAUUCUCCCCUUGGGUGuu
384







 −344
18.7146
UACUCCCUCUGCCUAUGUGuu
385







 −121
15.4365
UUUACUGUUUUGGCUGGGCuu
386







 −682
13.9281
AAAAUGCUGGUCAUACCCUuu
387







 −354
13.1961
UUGUUCAAACUACUCCCUCuu
388







 −374
12.5789
UUUUCCUGCCUUCCGCUAAuu
389







 −593
11.9908
UUACAGGGUAAUGUGGUGAuu
390







 −758
11.0947
GAUUGGGAGGUGAAGGGAAuu
391







 −680
10.6792
AAUGCUGGUCAUACCCUGGuu
392







 −531
10.5239
UACAAGAUAUGAUCCUCCCuu
393










In vitro proof of principle experiments were performed using human islets isolated from cadaveric donors to determine if Xiap-saRNA delivered by aptamer can protect β cell from apoptosis. Xiap-saRNA aptamer chimeras were generated as described in FIG. 12 by conjugating the identified Xiap saRNA (-449, table 2) to either aptamer m12-3773 or aptamer 1-717. FIG. 16A shows the experimental procedure: Freshly-isolated, non-dissociated, human islets (200 IEQ) from cadaveric donor were transfected with Xiap-saRNA by adding the Xiap/saRNA aptamer chimera (5 ug) to the culture. Scramble saRNA/aptamer chimera were used as negative control. 48 hours later, half of the wells were challenged with inflammatory cytokines (IFNg, TNFa, and IL1b) to induce beta cell apoptosis. Beta cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry 24 hours after cytokine challenge by measuring beta/alpha cell ratio after staining for insulin and glucagon. FIG. 16B shows the flow cytometry analysis of single cell suspension of islets treated with scrambled saRNA chimera (CTRL chimera) or XIAP-saRNA/aptamer chimera (Xiap Chimera) and later challenged with cytokines (CTK) or left untreated (No CTK). FIG. 16C is a spaghetti plot from 5 independent experiments each with islets from a different cadaveric donor using chimera generated with either aptamer m12-3773 or aptamer 1-717. Paired T test value is reported. Data show that Xiap-saRNA aptamer chimera protect beta cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis.


Interestingly, untreated islets in the absence of cytokines showed higher proportion in α cells (β/α cell ratio=0.8) in the presence of CTRL-chimera (FIG. 16B) and in absence of any chimera (data not shown), suggesting that β cell viability may be affected more than α cells during islet isolation. Addition of cytokines further reduced β cell proportion (β/α cell ratio˜0.5). Notably, incubation with Xiap-saRNA/chimera not only prevented the CTKs-induced decrease in β cells (β/α cell ratio˜1.6) but also prevented β cell loss associated with islets isolation. These data indicate that saRNA-chimeras can be used to modulate Xiap expression in human islets.


Example 5—Use of Xiap-saRNA/Aptamer Chimera to Prevent Primary Nonfunction

Human islets from cadaveric donors were transfected with Xiap-saRNA aptamer chimera or control-chimera as detailed in FIG. 17A Twenty-four hours after transfection, islets were transplanted in the anterior chamber of the eye of immune deficient NSG mice. Islets cell apoptosis was evaluate longitudinally by in vivo annexin V (ANXA5) staining and in vivo microscopy. Data show that treatment with Xiap-saRNA/aptamer chimera before transplantation drastically reduce apoptosis (ANXA5), and thus cellular loss of the graft.


Provided in FIG. 17B is the schematic the Xiap-saRNA/aptamer chimera for graft preservation. As shown in FIG. 17C, human Islets were cultured in media where chimera was added at 48 h, 24 h and on the day of transplantation 600 IEQ were transplanted per mouse in the left kidney capsule of streptozotocin diabetic NOG mice. Data showed that pretreatment of human islets with aptamer chimera greatly improve the efficacy of islet transplantation with approximately 80% of mice becoming normoglycemic by day 2. In contrast only 50% od mice engrafted with islets (P=0.02; nchimera treated=10; nuntreated=8) reverse diabetes and with a delayed kinetic.


Example 6—Protect Islets from Allo- and Auto-Immunity in Humanized Mice via PDL1-saRNA/Aptamer Chimera

The clinical importance of PDL1 expression in the maintenance of tissue specific tolerance is highlighted by the success of PDL1-PD1 antagonists in cancer (135). Engagement of PD1 by PDL1 down-regulates effector T cell proliferation and activation, induces T cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and promotes IL10-producing Treg (136-139). Interestingly, one of the emerging side effect anti-PD1 treatment is T1D140. This suggests that PDL1/PD1 may play an important role in controlling T cell tolerance against β cells. Indeed, in NOD mice PDL1 blockade accelerate T1D in female mice and induce it in male (13). Conversely, PDL1 ectopic expression in syngeneic transplanted islets protects NOD mice against T1D recurrence (12,13). NOD transgenic mice expressing PDL1 under control of the insulin promoter shows delayed incidence in diabetes, reduction T1D incidence, and a systemic, islet specific, T cell anergy (141). In humans, PDL1 polymorphisms is associated with T1D (OR=1.44) (142).


Given the importance that PDL1 expression might play in controlling T cell reactivity to β cells, we identified saRNAs specific for PDL1 (FIG. 18). Briefly, putative candidate sequence of small activating RNA for PDL1 were identified by scanning the PDL1 promoter using publically available algorithms. This analysis return more than 200 putative target saRNA target regions. The 95 putative saRNA with higher score were synthetized and tested for their capacity to up-regulate PDL1 by transfecting the human epithelial cell line A549. qRT-PCR was performed 96 hours after transfection and results normalized on the same cell line transfected with scrambled saRNA. 19 saRNAs were found able to upregulate Xiap expression more than 3 times (range 3.01-63.27) over scrambled saRNA (Table 6).









TABLE 6







saRNA sequences to upregulate human PDL1.













SEQ



fold

ID


Position
change
PDL1-saRNA
NO:













−261
63.2769
UUUAUCAGAAAGGCGUCCCuu
394





−583
14.1907
UUAAGGCUGCGGAAGCCUAuu
395





−739
13.0165
UUGACCUCAAGUGAUCCGCuu
396





−461
11.5844
GACUUCCUCAAAGUUCCUCuu
397





−584
7.7063
UAAGGCUGCGGAAGCCUAUuu
398





−349
5.8792
UAAAAAGUCAGCAGCAGACuu
399





−353
5.2152
AAGUCAGCAGCAGACCCAUuu
400





−608
5.0249
GUGAGGGUUAAGAAAGCCCuu
401





−881
4.833
CUGCAGUUCAAAAUACUGCuu
402





−637
4.1477
UUUGGGUUAGUGAAUGGGCuu
403





−683
3.9179
UUUACUUAAGUAUUAUCCCuu
404





−594
3.7109
GAAGCCUAUUCUAGGUGAGuu
405





−352
3.6316
AAAGUCAGCAGCAGACCCAuu
406





−351
3.3859
AAAAGUCAGCAGCAGACCCuu
407





−609
3.3669
UGAGGGUUAAGAAAGCCCUuu
408





−713
3.3464
CUAGGUGCUCUCUUUUCUCuu
409





−636
3.28
CUUUGGGUUAGUGAAUGGGuu
410





−460
3.0587
UGACUUCCUCAAAGUUCCUuu
411





−464
3.0192
UUCCUCAAAGUUCCUCGACuu
412









Next whether the islet-specific-aptamers described herein can effectively deliver PDL1-saRNAs to human islets and upregulate PDL1 expression was tested. Aptamer-PDL1-saRNA chimeras were generated by conjugating aptamer 1-717 to PDL1-saRNA-636 (Table 6) as described in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 19A, these PDL1-saRNA/aptamer chimera were added to non-dissociated human islets from cadaveric donor. 48 h later, islets were dissociated, labelled with anti-insulin, anti-glucagon and anti-PDL1 antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry (FIG. 19B). PDL1 expression was evaluated by gating on insulin positive beta cells or glucagon positive alpha cells. While treatment with control chimera does not modify PDL1 expression, treatment with PDL1-saRNA/aptamer significantly upregulate the expression of this important immune modulatory protein on beta cells (FIG. 19B). Interestingly no changes were observed in alpha cells confirming indirectly the preferential binding of this aptamer to beta cells. These proof of principle data indicate that aptamers can be effectively used to deliver functional PDL1-saRNA into human β cells in vitro.


Next, the ability of PDL1-saRNA/aptamer chimera to upregulate PDL1 in vivo was assessed. As shown in FIG. 20A, immune deficient NSG mice were transplanted in the anterior chamber of the eye with human islets from a cadaveric donor. 3 weeks later, mice were treated with PDL1-saRNA(636)/1-717-aptamer chimera generated as described in FIG. 12 and FIG. 19. Scramble-saRNA/aptamer chimera was used as control (CTRL chimera). Five days after treatment, PDL1 expression (white) on the islets (dark gray) was quantified by in vivo labelling with anti-PDL1 antibody and in vivo microscopy (FIG. 20B). Summary of PDL1 expression on the engrafted islets at baseline or 5 days after treatment with PDL1-saRNA/aptamer chimera or scrambled-saRNA/aptamer chimera FIG. 20C).


These results indicated that: i) it is possible to detect PDL1 in human islet cells in vivo, ii) our aptamer chimeras transfect human islets in vivo, and iii) it is possible to upregulate PDL1 in human islets in vivo via aptamer chimera.


Example 7—Assess β Cell Protection from Apoptosis by Aptamer Mediated Xiap Upregulation

In the first set of experiments, NSG mice will be engrafted with human islets in the ACE. Three weeks after transplant, mice will be treated with Xiap saRNA-aptamer chimera(s) or control chimera. At different time points, human islet grafts will be challenged by intraocular injection of IL1β, TNF-α, and IFNγ to induce apoptosis in β cells via activation of caspase 3 and 7. Caspase 3 and 7 activity will be evaluated in vivo by our intraocular imaging system using CASP3/7 Green Detection Reagent. This cell-permeant reagent consists of a four-amino acid peptide (DEVD) conjugated to a nucleic acid-binding dye. Upon activation, caspase 3 and 7 cleave the probe, allow the dye to bind to the DNA, and emit a bright, fluorogenic signal that can be detected at the cellular level in the ACE28. Additionally, in vivo staining with anti-Annexin V antibodies will be used to directly measured islet cell apoptosis in vivo (FIG. 7).


The second set of experiment aims to evaluate the effect of Xiap modulation on anti-islet allo-immunity. Briefly, STZ-diabetic NSG mice will be transplanted with 500 IEQ human islets in the ACE or EFP. 3 weeks later mice will be treated with Xiap chimera(s) or scrambled controls. Treatment will be repeated as determine in Aim2b. One week after the first treatment, mice will receive CFSE labelled human T cells mismatched for HLA to the islet. Without any treatment, the adoptive transfer of allogeneic T cells results in graft loss and return to hyperglycemia within 3 weeks. Thus, we will assess the protective effect of Xiap chimera treatment on the human islet allograft survival using as readouts: i) glycemia, ii) human c-peptide plasma levels and, in the ACE group, iii) the longitudinal evaluation of T cell infiltration and volumetric analysis of engrafted islets as we showed in (77,78).


To ensure data reproducibility of Xiap chimera effect among individuals, the chimera identified in the EndoC-BH3 cells will be further validated using primary human islets from 6 cadaveric donors; this will provide 88% of power to detect 1.25SD difference from control in one tailed paired t-test. To avoid artifacts, 3 different readout methods (qPCR, western blot, and enzymatic assay) will be used and at least 3 independent repetitions will be performed for each experiment using human islets from 3 different cadaveric donors. In transplantation studies, a total of 9 mice per group (3 in each repetition) will be used to ensure 90% of power (ANOVA, α=0.05) and detect 1.6SD difference to control.


Example 8—Optimize the Dose for in vivo Silencing of p57kip2

In a first set of experiments, NSG mice transplanted with 500 IEQ human islets in the EFP will be treated i.v. or s.c. with different doses (6, 20, and 60 pmoles/g) of islets-specific aptamers conjugated with p57kip2siRNA or scrambled siRNA (control-chimera) as negative control. We will use adenovirus encoding the same p57kip2 shRNA-transfected islets as positive control (14). At predefined time-points (e.g., day 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after administration), grafts will be harvested, and p57kip2 expression quantified by i) qRT-PCR on laser captured islets, and ii) by quantitative computer assisted immunofluorescence analysis 95. Both techniques are optimized at the Diabetes Research Institute (96,97) and in the laboratories of the PIs95. To evaluate possible dose-dependent toxicity, sera and organs of interest (spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lung, kidney, and brain) will be collected and sent to the mouse pathology laboratory of University of Miami for histopathological evaluation.


In the second set of experiments, NSG mice will be transplanted with 500 IEQ human islets in the ACE. Three weeks later, mice will be treated i.v. or by intraocular injection (i.o) with different doses (6, 20, 60 pm/g) of our aptamer-chimera loaded with p57kip2 siRNA or AF647-scrambled siRNA (control-chimera) as negative control. In vivo transfection efficiency of the AF647 siRNA will be evaluated with our intraocular imaging system 2, 3, 4, 8, and 24 hours after injection (28). At selected time-points (e.g., 2, 3, 4, and 7 days after treatment), graft will be removed and p57kip2 expression quantified by qRT-PCR on islets explanted from the ACE and by i) qRT-PCR on laser capture islets and ii) by quantitative computer assisted immunofluorescence microscopy analysis (95).


Example 9—Optimize Treatment Length and Frequency for Aptamer-Chimera Administration

Once the optimal dose and route of administration are identified and the kinetics of p57kip2 silencing evaluated, we will determine the number of administrations of p57kip2siRNA-aptamer chimera needed to induce substantial changes (i.e., ≥100% increase) in β cell mass. Since p57kip2 silencing was shown to induce β cell proliferation only in hyperglycemic micel4, sub-marginal human islet mass (250 IEQ) will be transplanted in the EFP or ACE of NSG mice. 21 days after transplant, mice will be rendered hyperglycemic by streptozotocin (STZ) treatment. STZ selectively eliminates mouse islets as human β are considerably more resistant (98). Once the mice become hyperglycemic (usually 5-6 days after treatment), mice will receive 1, 2, 3, or 4 administration of islet-specific or control aptamer chimeras. The frequency of the aptamer administration will be determined based on the time course established in Example 5. BrdU will be administered in drinking water for ex vivo determination of proliferation. β cell mass in the EPF group will be evaluated longitudinally (baseline, during treatment, 5 and 10 days after the last treatment) by IVIS (FIG. 2). In the ACE group, islets mass will be evaluated by in vivo imaging and quantitative analysis of islet volume (28). Ten days after the last treatment, grafts will be harvested and analyzed by immunostaining to determine (i) β cell proliferation via BrdU and Ki76 staining and (ii) α to β cell ratio.


Example 10—Determine if Aptamer Mediated Silencing can Restore Normoglycemia in Diabetic Mice Transplanted with Sub-Marginal Islet Mass

The purpose of this Example is to test if aptamer mediated p57kip2 silencing can restore normoglycemia in diabetic mice transplanted with suboptimal number of human islets.


In the first set of experiments, STZ-diabetic NSG mice maintained on insulin therapy (s.c pellet implant for sustained insulin release) will be transplanted with different quantities of human islets (50, 150, 350 IEQ) in the ACE. Three weeks later, insulin pellets will be removed, and mice will be treated with p57kip2siRNA-aptamer chimera or scrambled control, locally or systemically. To compare this treatment with today gold standard for islets transfection, two additional groups of mice will be treated locally with adenoviral vector encoding for p57kip2shRNA or RFP as control. Pilot experiments using RFP encoding adenovirus will be performed in the ACE to determine the minimal dose necessary for transducing at least 90% of the islets. Transduction efficiency will be quantified using our in vivo imaging system (28). In the experimental groups (which received 50, 150, and 350 IEQ), blood glucose will be used as readout for treatment efficacy in addition to intravital imaging and volume analysis of the ACE islet grafts. The varied sub-marginal islet mass in the different groups may also reveal the degree of the hyperglycemic drive on human islet proliferation.


In the second set of experiments, STZ-diabetic mice will be transplanted in the EFP with the same sub-marginal human islet masses (50, 150, 350 IEQ) and maintained on insulin during the engraftment period. 3 weeks later insulin pellet will be removed and mice will be treated with p57kip2siRNA-aptamer chimera or the scrambled control. We will monitor glycemia and β cell mass by IVIS longitudinally as readouts.


In both sets of experiments, glucose tolerance tests (GTTs) will be performed in mice with restored normoglycemia to further evaluate the islet function under stress conditions.


To ensure reproducibility in the results, at least 3 independent repetitions will be performed for each experiment using human islets from 3 different cadaveric donors. The use a total of 9 mice per experimental group (3 in each repetition) gives 90% of power (One way ANOVA, α=0.05) to detect an effect size of 1.6 SD to control. 12 mice per group will be used to accounting for the higher expected variation of the read-out. To minimize readout-specific artifacts, the same phenomenon will be measured with at least 2 independent methods.


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Claims
  • 1. A method of measuring beta cell mass comprising contacting the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to an imaging reagent in an amount effective to measure the mass of the beta cell.
  • 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the aptamer is M12-3773 or 1-717.
  • 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging agent is a fluorochrome, a PET tracer or a MRI contrast reagent.
  • 4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the aptamer is conjugated to the imaging reagent via chelators.
  • 5. A method of modulating proliferation of beta cell comprising contacting the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a small-activating RNA (saRNA) in an amount effective to modulate proliferation of the beta cell.
  • 6. A method for inhibiting tissue graft apoptosis in a subject in need thereof comprising contacting the tissue graft with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a small-activating RNA (saRNA) in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis of the tissue graft.
  • 7. The method of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the aptamer is M12-3773 or 1-717.
  • 8. The method of claim 5 or claim 7, that inhibits apoptosis of the beta cell.
  • 9. The method of any one of claims 5-8, wherein the saRNA upregulates the protein XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis gene id 331).
  • 10. The method of claim 6, 7 or 9, wherein the tissue graft is from an organ selected from pancreas, heart, lung, kidney, stomach or skin.
  • 11. The method of any one of claims 6, 7, 9 and 10, wherein the aptamer is a muscle specific aptamer and the issue is heart tissue.
  • 12. A method for protecting a beta cell from T-cell mediated cytotoxicity of the beta cell with a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a saRNA in an amount effective to inhibit T cell mediated toxicity of the beta cell.
  • 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the aptamer is M12-3773 or 1-717.
  • 14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the saRNA is able to increase immune checkpoint.
  • 15. The method of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the saRNA upregulates the protein CD274 (Programmed death-ligand 1, PDL1, gene id 29126).
  • 16. A method for treating diabetes in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a saRNA.
  • 17. An aptamer comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 264.
  • 18. An aptamer comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 259.
  • 19. A construct comprising the aptamer of claim 17 or claim 18 conjugated to a saRNA.
  • 20. The construct of claim 19, wherein the saRNA upregulates the protein XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis gene id 331).
  • 21. The construct of claim 19, wherein the saRNA upregulates the protein CD274 (Programmed death-ligand 1, PDL1, gene id 29126).
  • 22. A construct comprising an aptamer conjugated to a small activating RNA (saRNA).
  • 23. The construct of claim 22, wherein the aptamer is specific for a tissue.
  • 24. The construct of claim 23, wherein the tissue is from an organ,
  • 25. The construct of claim 24, wherein the organ is pancreas, heart, lung, kidney, stomach, skin or brain.
  • 26. The construct of any one of claims 23-25, wherein the tissue is pancreatic islets.
  • 27. The construct of any one of claims 22-26, wherein the construct further comprises a detectable label.
  • 28. The construct of claim 27, wherein the detectable label is a fluorochrome, Positron emission tomography tracer such as Fluorine-18, oxygen-15, gallium 68, magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents such as gadolinium, iron oxide, iron platinum or manganese.
  • 29. The construct of any one of claims 22-28, wherein the aptamer is M12-3773 or 1-717.
  • 30. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the aptamer is specific for clusterin (CLU, gene id 1191).
  • 31. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the aptamer is specific for “Transmembrane emp24 domain-containing protein 6” (TMED6, gene id 146456).
  • 32. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is adrenal tissue or bone marrow.
  • 33. The construct of claim 32, wherein the aptamer is 173-2273, 107-901 or m6-3239.
  • 34. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is breast tissue, lung tissue or lymph node tissue.
  • 35. The construct of claim 34, wherein the aptamer is 107-901 and m6-3239.
  • 36. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is brain cerebellum.
  • 37. The construct of claim 15, wherein the aptamer is 173-2273, 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239.
  • 38. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is brain cerebral cortex tissue, pituitary tissue, colon tissue, endothelium tissue, esophagus tissue, heart tissue or kidney tissue.
  • 39. The construct of claim 38, wherein the aptamer is 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239.
  • 40. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is fallopian tube tissue.
  • 41. The construct of claim 40, wherein the aptamer is m6-3239.
  • 42. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is liver tissue.
  • 43. The construct of claim 42, wherein the aptamer is 166-279, 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239.
  • 44. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is ovarian tissue.
  • 45. The construct of claim 44, wherein the aptamer is 107-901.
  • 46. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is placenta tissue.
  • 47. The construct of claim 46, wherein the aptamer is 166-270, 173-2273, 107-901, m1-2623 or m6-3239.
  • 48. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is prostate tissue.
  • 49. The construct of claim 48, wherein the aptamer is 173-2273 or 107-901.
  • 50. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is spinal cord tissue.
  • 51. The construct of claim 50, wherein the aptamer is 166-279 or 173-2273.
  • 52. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is testis tissue.
  • 53. The construct of claim 52, wherein the aptamer is 166-279, 173-2273, 107-901, m1-2623, m6-3239 and m12-3773.
  • 54. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is thymus tissue.
  • 55. The construct of claim 54, wherein the aptamer is 173-2273, 107-901 or mf-2623.
  • 56. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is thyroid tissue.
  • 57. The construct of claim 56, wherein the aptamer is m1-2623.
  • 58. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is ureter tissue.
  • 59. The construct of claim 58, wherein the aptamer is 107-901.
  • 60. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is cervical tissue.
  • 61. The construct of claim 60, wherein the aptamer is 166-279.
  • 62. The construct of any one of claims 22-29, wherein the tissue is islets of Langerhans or pancreatic tissue.
  • 63. The construct of claim 62, wherein the aptamer is 166-279, 173-2273, 107-901, 1-717, m1-2623, m6-3239 or m12-3773.
  • 64. A method of delivering a small activating RNA (saRNA) to a tissue comprising contacting the tissue with a construct according to any one of claim 22-63 that is specific for the tissue.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/668,463 filed May 8, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under grant number 1UC4DK116241-01 awarded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The government has certain rights in the invention.

PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/US19/31346 5/8/2019 WO 00
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62668463 May 2018 US