Identification of Podoplanin Aptamers by SELEX for Protein Detection and Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation Stimulated by C-Type Lectin-like Receptor 2.

Tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) is a mechanism for the protection of tumor cells in the bloodstream and the promotion of tumor progression and metastases. The platelet C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) can bind podoplanin (PDPN) on a cancer cell surface to facilitate TCIPA. Selective blockage of PDPN-mediated platelet-tumor cell interaction is a plausible strategy for inhibiting metastases.