The minimum aptamer publication standards (MAPS guidelines) for de novo aptamer selection

Aptamers were first described in 1990 and since then many aptamers have been reported in the literature for numerous applications in both diagnostics and therapeutics. However, as with most fields, missing or unclear information presented in the publication makes it difficult to replicate some of the work described in the literature. To increase the reproducibility of the data and facilitate academic laboratories and industrial companies to develop reliable aptamer work, essential guidelines should be proposed and followed in any aptamer publication, especially in those that highlight de novo aptamer sequences. Here, we provide suggestions for authors, reviewers, and editors to follow when performing and reporting their aptamer work to ensure that we meet the minimum standards for publication of future aptamer sequences.