Luminescent polymers for in vivo imaging of amyloid signatures

Luminescent polymers for in vivo imaging of amyloid signatures

Sweden

European Commission

4978094

01-11-2009

36

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Prion disease

In this project we seek to develop new smart imaging molecular tools for combating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer.

The LUPAS project seeks to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment of both Alzheimer disease and prion diseases. By developing novel agents and methods for diagnostic imaging of accumulations of misfolded proteins so called amyloid plaque it is possible to improve quality of diagnosis as well as facilitate monitoring and understanding of the disease progression. The novel molecular imaging tools are based on luminescent conjugated polymers, LCPs, a material normally used for electronic applications, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). It was discovered by the researchers forming the LUPAS consortium that these molecules bind effectively to amyloid plaques. Through the specific a luminescent fingerprint of the LCPs, the amyloid plaques can easily be visualized and recognized. Moreover, the molecular scaffolds will be tested as therapeutically active agents for prevention of protein aggregation diseases and could possibly facilitate treatment of AD and prionoses in the future.