Journal Description
Targets
Targets
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on chemical measurement science, biology, material science, pharmacy, clinical diagnostics, molecular medicine and biomedicine published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: first decisions in 16 days; acceptance to publication in 5.8 days (median values for MDPI journals in the first half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Companion journal: Sensors.
Latest Articles
Attomole Electrochemical Detection of MicroRNAs Based on Surface-Initiated Enzymatic Polymerization Coupled with Copper Enhancement
Targets 2023, 1(2), 79-90; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1020007 - 30 Oct 2023
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The sensitive and effective detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great significance since miRNAs have been proven to have undeniable importance in participating in many biological processes. Herein, we present a novel, sensitive, label-free electrochemical miRNA detection method. Three signal amplification techniques are
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The sensitive and effective detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) is of great significance since miRNAs have been proven to have undeniable importance in participating in many biological processes. Herein, we present a novel, sensitive, label-free electrochemical miRNA detection method. Three signal amplification techniques are incorporated in this method, including the efficient conjugate of primer-modified polystyrene spheres (PS) with magnetic beads (MBs) triggered by target miRNA, template-free surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization (SIEP) on the primers, and the use of copper ions in square wave voltammetry (SWV) for detecting acidically depurinated primers. Cooperating with the electrochemical approach, this method was able to achieve a detection limit of 120 aM. With an attomole level of sensitivity and easiness of manipulation, this novel method is suitable for miRNA routine detection in both research and clinical aspects.
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Open AccessArticle
Photo-Cleavable Polycations-Wrapped Upconversion Nanoparticles for Efficient siRNA Delivery and Cancer Therapy
Targets 2023, 1(1), 63-78; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1010006 - 12 Sep 2023
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) therapy is a promising approach for cancer therapy. However, due to the weak binding affinity between a carrier and small interference RNA (siRNA) and complicated tumor environment, efficient loading and release of siRNA still remain challenging. Here, we design photo-cleavable
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RNA interference (RNAi) therapy is a promising approach for cancer therapy. However, due to the weak binding affinity between a carrier and small interference RNA (siRNA) and complicated tumor environment, efficient loading and release of siRNA still remain challenging. Here, we design photo-cleavable polycations-wrapped upconversion nanoparticles (PC-UCNPs) for spatially and temporally controllable siRNA delivery. The PC-UCNPs are synthesized by in situ reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of photo-cleaved 5-(2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)-2-nitrobenzyl acrylat (MENA) monomer and poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether acrylate (OEMA) mononer through a chain transfer agent that anchored on the surface of silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs@SiO2). After reacting with CH3I, siRNA and hyaluronic acid (HA) are adsorbed on the particle surface to prepare PC-UCNPs/siRNA/HA. The reaction with cell-secreted hyaluronidase (HAase) achieves the intracellular delivery of PC-UCNPs/siRNA/HA, and 980 nm laser irradiation causes siRNA release, which effectively improves the gene silencing efficiency in vitro and suppresses tumor growth in vivo; therefore, these processes have a promising potential application in precision medicine.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Bioimaging and Targeted Therapy)
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Open AccessArticle
The Synthesis of BODIPY-TKI Conjugates and Investigation of Their Ability to Target the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
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, , , , and
Targets 2023, 1(1), 48-62; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1010005 - 30 Aug 2023
Abstract
A near-IR BODIPY was covalently conjugated via its isothiocyanate groups to one or two Erlotinib molecules, a known tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), via triethylene glycol spacers, to produce two novel BODIPY-monoTKI and BODIPY-diTKI conjugates. The ability of these conjugates to target the intracellular
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A near-IR BODIPY was covalently conjugated via its isothiocyanate groups to one or two Erlotinib molecules, a known tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), via triethylene glycol spacers, to produce two novel BODIPY-monoTKI and BODIPY-diTKI conjugates. The ability of these conjugates to target the intracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was investigated using molecular modeling, surface plasma resonance (SPR), EGFR kinase binding assay, time-dependent cellular uptake, and fluorescence microscopy. While both the BODIPY-monoTKI and the BODIPY-diTKI conjugates were shown to bind to the EGFR kinase by SPR and accumulated more efficiently within human HEp2 cells that over-express EGFR than BODIPY alone, only the BODIPY-monoTKI exhibited kinase inhibition activity. This is due to the high hydrophobic character and aggregation behavior of the BODIPY-diTKI in aqueous solutions, as shown by fluorescence quenching. Furthermore, the competition of the two Erlotinibs in the diTKI conjugate for the active site of the kinase, as suggested by computational modeling, might lead to a decrease in binding relative to the monoTKI conjugate. Nevertheless, the efficient cellular uptake and intracellular localization of both conjugates with no observed cytotoxicity suggest that both could be used as near-IR fluorescent markers for cells that over-express EGFR.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluorescence Imaging of Disease Biomarkers)
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Open AccessArticle
An Activatable Nanoscintillator Probe for Detecting Telomerase Activity and Screening Inhibitors In Vivo
by
, , , , , , , , , , , and
Targets 2023, 1(1), 34-47; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1010004 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Telomerase represents an essential molecular machinery for tumor occurrence and progression and a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Sensitive and reliable analysis of telomerase activity is of significant importance for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this study, we developed a
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Telomerase represents an essential molecular machinery for tumor occurrence and progression and a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Sensitive and reliable analysis of telomerase activity is of significant importance for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this study, we developed a telomerase-activated nanoscintillator probe for deep-tissue and background-free imaging of telomerase activity and screening telomerase inhibitors in tumor-bearing living mice models. The probe was constructed by modifying lanthanide-doped nanoscintillators with aptamer-containing DNA anchor strands which hybridized with quencher labelled–oligonucleotide strands and telomerase primers. The X-ray-induced fluorescence of the probe was quenched originally but turned on upon telomerase-catalyzed extension of the primer. Benefiting from exceptional tissue penetrating properties and negligible autofluorescence of X-ray excitation, this probe enabled direct detection of telomerase activity in vivo via fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, with the direct, readable fluorescent signals, the probe enabled the screening of telomerase inhibitors in living cells and whole-animal models in the native states of telomerase. This strategy would inspire the development of low autofluorescence and deep tissue bioimaging probes for disease diagnosis and drug development in high-level living settings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Bioimaging and Targeted Therapy)
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Open AccessReview
Fluorescent Imaging Agents for Brain Diseases
Targets 2023, 1(1), 5-33; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1010003 - 01 Jun 2023
Abstract
The onset of brain diseases has a terrible impact on people’s lives, including brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of various brain disorders have been receiving specific attention. The fluorescence imaging technique is useful for
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The onset of brain diseases has a terrible impact on people’s lives, including brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of various brain disorders have been receiving specific attention. The fluorescence imaging technique is useful for examining brain diseases because it is intuitive, in situ, and real-time. Therefore, fluorescent imaging has so far been successfully employed to identify molecules associated with brain disease. In this review, the last five years of research advancements in fluorescent imaging agents for the above diseases are summarized, and the creation of pertinent fluorescence probes is described and prospected.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluorescence Imaging of Disease Biomarkers)
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Open AccessEditorial
Publisher’s Note: Targets—A New Open Access Journal
Targets 2023, 1(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1010002 - 27 May 2023
Abstract
Targets (ISSN 2813-3137) is a new open-access journal launched under the leadership of Prof [...]
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Open AccessEditorial
Introducing Targets: A Journal for Bio-Detection and Therapy
by
and
Targets 2023, 1(1), 1-3; https://doi.org/10.3390/targets1010001 - 18 Aug 2022
Abstract
Targets are the essential elements in bio-detection and therapy [...]
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Targets
Fluorescence Imaging of Disease Biomarkers
Guest Editors: Xin Zhang, Ping LiDeadline: 31 December 2023