# The prospective approach for aptamers applied in the treatment and molecular diagnostics of ischemic stroke

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how aptamers can be used for diagnosing and treating ischemic stroke by targeting clotting, inflammation, and biomarkers.

## Contribution

The paper highlights recent advances in aptamer applications for stroke prevention, treatment, and diagnosis.

## Key findings

- Aptamers can cross the blood-brain barrier and be chemically modified for targeted therapy.
- Aptamers show potential in targeting pathological clotting and inflammatory responses in ischemic stroke.
- Aptamers aid in biomarker discovery for key cells involved in stroke.

## Abstract

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Therefore, there is a critical need to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatment strategies for ischemic stroke. As small and non-immunogenic nucleic acid molecules, aptamers can be easily chemically modified, break through the blood-brain barrier, and be screened using the classic Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment. With the advancements in emerging technologies, aptamer-based strategies have provided diagnostic and therapeutic potential for applications in central nervous system diseases. Aptamers have become a useful tool for targeted therapy and biomarker discovery in ischemic stroke. This review presents recent advances and perspectives on aptamer applications in stroke prevention, treatment, and diagnosis, focusing on targeting pathological blood clotting or thrombosis, inflammatory responses, and specific biomarkers in key cells.