Background: The misfolding and deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) in human brain is the main hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. One of the drivers of Alzheimer´s pathogenesis is the production of soluble oligomeric Aβ, which could potentially serve as a biomarker of AD.
Methods: Given that the diphenylalanine (FF) at the C-terminus of Aβ fragments plays a key role in inducing the AD pathology, based on the hydrophobic structure of FF, we synthesized a near-infrared BF2-dipyrrolmethane fluorescent imaging probe (NB) to detect both soluble and insoluble Aβ.
Results: We found that NB not only binds Aβ, particularly oligomeric Aβ, but also interposes self-assembly of Aβ through π-π interaction between NB and FF.
Conclusion: This work holds great promise in the early detection of AD and may also provide an innovative approach to decelerate and even halt AD onset and progression.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; BODIPY; amyloid beta oligomer; diphenylalanine; near-infrared probe.
© 2022 the Alzheimer's Association.