Active Targeting
Active Targeting - Related Videos
03:03
High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Activation of the Target Brain Region
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2025
Source: Chen, W., et al. Stimulation Location Determination using a 3D Digitizer with High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. J. Vis. Exp. (2019)This video demonstrates the procedure for delivering high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) by accurately positioning electrodes using the 10–10 system, mapping their locations with a 3D digitizer, and applying stimulation to modulate neuronal activity in a targeted brain region.
04:10
Helicase Activity Measurement of a Target Protein Using Biotin-Labeled RNA Duplexes
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2025
In this video, we demonstrate the procedure to determine the helicase activity of a target protein to unwind the biotin-labeled dsRNA substrate. The activity of the enzyme was identified by analyzing the electrophoretic mobility shift, followed by a chemiluminescence assay using chemiluminescent enzyme-conjugated streptavidin.
11:37
Using Sniper-Cas9 to Minimize Off-target Effects of CRISPR-Cas9 Without the Loss of On-target Activity Via Directed Evolution
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Cited by 21 •
2019
Here, we present a protocol to optimize CRISPR-Cas9 to achieve a higher specificity without the loss of on-target activity. We use a directed evolution approach called Sniper-screen to find a mutant Cas9 with the desired characteristics. Sniper-Cas9 is compatible with truncated single-guide RNAs and delivery in a ribonucleoprotein format, well-known strategies for achieving higher specificities.
10:31
Multicolor Time-lapse Imaging of Transgenic Zebrafish: Visualizing Retinal Stem Cells Activated by Targeted Neuronal Cell Ablation
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Cited by 41 •
2010
In this video, techniques for multicolor confocal time-lapse imaging and targeted cell ablation are provided. Time-lapse imaging is used to monitor the behavior of multiple cell types of interest in vivo. Targeted cell ablation facilitates the study neural circuit function and cell-specific neuronal regeneration paradigms.
08:40
Genome-wide Screen for miRNA Targets Using the MISSION Target ID Library
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Cited by 1 •
2012
The Target ID Library is a plasmid-based, genome-wide collection of cloned cDNA used to identify miRNA targets. Here we demonstrate its use and application.
FAQs
Target expression determines whether a ligand can recognize and bind the intended cells or disease site. The target must also be accessible to the ligand, because biological barriers or limited availability can prevent effective interaction. Consequently, differences in marker expression and accessibility may influence carrier attachment, cellular uptake, and the precision of payload delivery.
Antibodies, peptides, and small molecules serve as targeting ligands, but they represent different molecular options for recognizing a receptor or other marker. Their binding interactions can promote attachment of a delivery carrier to selected cells, encourage cellular uptake, or support localized release of a therapeutic or imaging payload at the intended site.
Biological barriers can limit whether a targeting ligand reaches its intended receptor or marker, even when the target is present. This makes ligand accessibility an important determinant of performance alongside target expression. If access is restricted, the system may deliver less payload to the selected site and may not achieve the expected reduction in exposure to healthy tissue.
A basic design process identifies a marker associated with the intended cells, tissues, or disease site, then selects a compatible ligand such as an antibody, peptide, or small molecule. The ligand is incorporated into a delivery system carrying a therapeutic or imaging payload. Researchers then consider whether binding can promote attachment, uptake, or localized release.
Researchers may use active targeting when they seek to direct a therapeutic payload toward selected cells, tissues, or disease sites rather than relying only on general distribution. In clinical research, this approach supports targeted therapeutics intended to improve delivery precision and potentially reduce exposure of healthy tissue, provided the target is sufficiently expressed and accessible.
Beyond therapeutic delivery, active targeting can direct imaging payloads toward selected biological sites, supporting targeted diagnostic systems. It can also contribute to theranostic systems that combine therapeutic and diagnostic goals. These applications depend on the same molecular recognition principles, while the payload type determines whether the primary outcome is imaging, treatment, or both.