Development of protein molecular probes for detection of alpha synuclein oligomeric assemblies

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 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall research objective is to develop a novel molecular probe for rapid, quantitative, sensitive and specific detection of toxic oligomeric forms of alpha synuclein (αS), implicated in Parkinson's disease. Rapid, quantitative, sensitive and specific detection of αS oligomers is preferred for (1) accurate probing of structurally unstable αS oligomers, (2) implementation of high-throughput assays for pharmaceutical applications and (3) correct profiling of αS oligomeric states. The currently available compounds or methods either do not sensitively distinguish αS forms in distinct aggregation states or are inappropriate for rapid, quantitative detection due to the requirement of additional sample preparation and incubation steps. Due to the uncertainty associated with the molecular structures of toxic αS oligomers, it is extremely difficult to come up with a simple design principle leading to the creation of highly specific and sensitive probes. Instead, an exhaustive variation of the physico-chemical nature of a probe prototype, and rapid and reliable evaluation of such variation are strongly required to develop novel probes with desired properties. In the submitted project, the PI proposes to construct a new molecular platform where one can synthesize and test a large array of probe variants displaying a wide range of physico-chemical natures associated with binding to αS oligomers and subsequent generation of optical signals. In specific aims, a pool of related probe structures will be created and rapidly tested to identify probes that generate specific optical signals upon binding to oligomeric forms of αS. Our long term goal is to develop a pool of probes capable of detecting distinct forms of αS. Such a panel of probes will allow for rapid and reliable testing of therapeutic agents, developing early diagnostics, and a better understanding of αS oligomerization processes.