Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for specific aptamers and aptamer pools that bind biomarkers of interest such as microvesicle surface antigens or functional fragments of microvesicle surface antigens. In various embodiments, aptamers of the invention are used in diagnostic, prognostic, or theranostic processes to screen a biological sample for the presence or levels of biomarkers such as microvesicles that are determined to provide a diagnostic, prognostic, or theranostic readout. The diagnosis, prognosis, or theranosis may be related to cancer or other diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods and composition to facilitate aptamer library screening and aptamer detection methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting aptamers that are specific to a target of interest from amongst a library of potential aptamer sequences. Aptamers disclosed can be used to detect and/or characterize biological entities of interest, e.g. microvesicles and/or surface antigens. Further disclosed are biomarkers that can be used for diagnosing different disorders including different types of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring the amount of at least one molecule in a biological sample, the method comprising a) combining the sample, or a derivative thereof, with one or more aptamers and allowing one or more molecules in the sample to bind to the aptamer(s); b) separating bound from unbound molecules; and c) quantifying the molecule(s) bound to the or each aptamer, wherein quantification of the bound molecule(s) is carried out by sequencing at least part of the or each aptamer. Uses of and products derived from the method are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring the amount of at least one molecule in a biological sample, the method comprising a) combining the sample, or a derivative thereof, with one or more aptamers and allowing one or more molecules in the sample to bind to the aptamer(s); b) separating bound from unbound molecules; and c) quantifying the molecule(s) bound to the or each aptamer, wherein quantification of the bound molecule(s) is carried out by sequencing at least part of the or each aptamer. Uses of and products derived from the method are also contemplated.

Abstract: Biomarkers can be assessed for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, or the stage or progression of a disease. Circulating biomarkers from a bodily fluid can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. These include nucleic acids, protein, and circulating structures such as vesicles. Biomarkers can be used for theranostic purposes to select candidate treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and can also be used to determine treatment efficacy. The biomarkers can be circulating biomarkers, including vesicles and microRNA.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the identification of one or more aptamers to at least one target molecule, the method comprising: selecting candidate aptamer sequences that bind to a target molecule, assigning to the bound sequences a measure (fitness function) of each sequence's aptameric potential, allowing evolution of some or all of the sequences to create a new mixture of candidate sequences, and repeating the method with the newly created candidate aptamer pool until the aggregate aptameric potential of the candidate pool reaches a plateau, wherein sequences present in the final pool are optimal aptamers to the target molecule.

Abstract: Biomarkers can be assessed for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, or the stage or progression of a disease. Circulating biomarkers from a bodily fluid can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. These include nucleic acids, protein, and circulating structures such as vesicles. Biomarkers can be used for theranostic purposes to select candidate treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and can also be used to determine treatment efficacy. The biomarkers can be circulating biomarkers, including vesicles and microRNA.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring the amount of at least one molecule in a biological sample, the method comprising a) combining the sample, or a derivative thereof, with one or more aptamers and allowing one or more molecules in the sample to bind to the aptamer(s); b) separating bound from unbound molecules; and c) quantifying the molecule(s) bound to the or each aptamer, wherein quantification of the bound molecule(s) is carried out by sequencing at least part of the or each aptamer. Uses of and products derived from the method are also contemplated.