Nucleic acid ligands to the prostate specific membrane antigen

Abstract

Methods are provided for generating nucleic acid ligands of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA). The methods of the invention use the SELEX method for the isolation of nucleic acid ligands. The invention also includes nucleic acid ligands to PSMA, and methods and compositions for the treatment and diagnosis of disease using the nucleic acid ligands.

1 . A complex comprised of a purified and non-naturally occurring RNA ligand to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and a marker, wherein said ligand is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:5, 6, 15, 16, 17, and 18.  
     
     
         2 . The complex of  claim 1  further comprising a linker between said RNA ligand and said marker.  
     
     
         3 . The complex of  claim 1  wherein said marker is a radionuclide.  
     
     
         4 . The complex of  claim 3  wherein said radionuclide is selected from the group consisting of Tc-99m, Re-188, Cu-64, Cu-67, F-18,  121 I,  131 I,  32 P,  186 Re and  111 In.  
     
     
         5 . A method for detecting the presence of a disease that is expressing prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in a biological tissue which may contain said disease, the method comprising exposing said biological tissue to the complex of  claim 1  and detecting the presence of the complex in said biological tissue.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said complex further comprises a linker between said RNA ligand and said marker.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said marker is a radionuclide.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said radionuclide is selected from the group consisting of Tc-99m, Re-188, Cu-64, Cu-67, F-18,  125 I,  131 I,  32 P,  186 Re and  111 In.  
     
     
         9 . A complex comprised of a purified and non-naturally occurring RNA ligand to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and a therapeutic compound, wherein said ligand is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:5, 6, 15, 16, 17, and 18.  
     
     
         10 . The complex of  claim 9  wherein said therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic compounds, immune enhancing substances, and therapeutic radionuclides.  
     
     
         11 . A method for delivering a therapeutic compound to a biological tissue expressing prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in an organism, the method comprising administering the complex of  claim 9  to said organism.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said therapeutic compound is selected from the group consisting of cytotoxic compounds, immune enhancing substances, and therapeutic radionuclides.