Imaging distinct conformational states of amyloid-β fibrils in Alzheimer's disease using novel luminescent probes

KPR Nilsson, A Åslund, I Berg, S Nyström… - ACS chemical …, 2007 - ACS Publications
KPR Nilsson, A Åslund, I Berg, S Nyström, P Konradsson, A Herland, O Inganäs
ACS chemical biology, 2007ACS Publications
Using luminescent conjugated polyelectrolyte probes (LCPs), we demonstrate the possibility
to distinguish amyloid-β 1–42 peptide (Aβ1–42) fibril conformations, by analyzing in vitro
generated amyloid fibrils of Aβ1–42 formed under quiescent and agitated conditions. LCPs
were then shown to resolve such conformational heterogeneity of amyloid deposits in vivo. A
diversity of amyloid deposits depending upon morphology and anatomic location was
illustrated with LCPs in frozen ex vivo brain sections from a transgenic mouse model (tg-APP …
Using luminescent conjugated polyelectrolyte probes (LCPs), we demonstrate the possibility to distinguish amyloid-β 1–42 peptide (Aβ1–42) fibril conformations, by analyzing in vitro generated amyloid fibrils of Aβ1–42 formed under quiescent and agitated conditions. LCPs were then shown to resolve such conformational heterogeneity of amyloid deposits in vivo. A diversity of amyloid deposits depending upon morphology and anatomic location was illustrated with LCPs in frozen ex vivo brain sections from a transgenic mouse model (tg-APP swe) of Alzheimer’s disease. Comparative LCP fluorescence showed that compact-core plaques of amyloid β precursor protein transgenic mice were composed of rigid dense amyloid. A more abundant form of amyloid plaque displayed morphology of a compact center with a protruding diffuse exterior. Surprisingly, the compact center of these plaques showed disordered conformations of the fibrils, and the exterior was composed of rigid amyloid protruding from the disordered center. This type of plaque appears to grow from more loosely assembled regions toward solidified amyloid tentacles. This work demonstrates how application of LCPs can prove helpful to monitor aggregate structure of in vivo formed amyloid deposits such as architecture, maturity, and origin.
ACS Publications