While our results have shown high specificity of this VCAM-1-aptamer with CECs in ischemic hemispheres (Fig. 1), we unexpectedly did not observe a significant impact of this aptamer (with or without Cy5 conjugate) on stroke outcomes (Figs. 2, 3), which represents a barrier to developing this aptamer into therapeutic applications. This evidence concerns the gene VCAM1 and stroke disorder.