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

Using luminescent conjugated polyelectrolyte probes (LCPs), we demonstrate the possibility to distinguish amytoid-beta 1-42 peptide (A beta 1-42) fibril conformations, by analyzing in vitro generated amyloid fibrils of A beta 1-42 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 p 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.