Shining molecules distinguish between proteins in the brain

Small shining molecules developed by scientists at Linköping University in Sweden can be designed to distinguish between plaque of different proteins in the brain. They may pave the way for better diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, in which plaque forms from the amyloid beta or tau proteins.

Researchers at Linköping University, LiU, have discovered that small changes in the structure of known tracer molecules can enable them to recognise either amyloid beta or tau. These small molecules, which have previously been developed by the researchers, bind to a specific target protein. When the molecules are illuminated, they emit a signal in the form of light at a different wavelength.

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Source: Phys.org