Search

Aggregated species of amyloid-beta (A beta) are one of the pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and ligands that selectively target different A beta deposits are of great interest. In this study, fluorescent thiophene-based ligands have been used to illustrate the features of different types of A beta deposits found in AD brain tissue. A dual-staining protocol based on two ligands, HS-276 and LL-1, with different photophysical and binding properties, was developed and applied on brain tissue sections from patients affected by sporadic AD or familial AD associated with the PSEN1 A431E mutation. When binding to A beta deposits, the ligands could easily be distinguished for their different fluorescence, and distinct staining patterns were revealed for these two types of AD. In sporadic AD, HS-276 consistently labeled all immunopositive A beta plaques, whereas LL-1 mainly stained cored and neuritic A beta deposits. In the PSEN1 A431E cases, each ligand was binding to specific types of A beta plaques. The ligand-labeled A beta deposits were localized in distinct cortical layers, and a laminar staining pattern could be seen. Biochemical characterization of the A beta aggregates in the individual layers also showed that the variation of ligand binding properties was associated with certain A beta peptide signatures. For the PSEN1 A431E cases, it was concluded that LL-1 was binding to cotton wool plaques, whereas HS-276 mainly stained diffuse A beta deposits. Overall, our findings showed that a combination of ligands was essential to identify distinct aggregated A beta species associated with different forms of AD., Funding Agencies|U.S. National Institutes of Health [UO1NS110437, 1R01AG078796, R21AG078538]; Swedish Research Council [2016-00748, 2018-02181, 2019-02397]; Swedish Brain Foundation; Torsten Soderberg Foundation; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarstiftelse; Swedish Dementia Association

BackgroundReactive oxidative stress is a critical player in the amyloid beta (A beta) toxicity that contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Damaged mitochondria are one of the main sources of reactive oxygen species and accumulate in A beta plaque-associated dystrophic neurites in the AD brain. Although A beta causes neuronal mitochondria reactive oxidative stress in vitro, this has never been directly observed in vivo in the living mouse brain. Here, we tested for the first time whether A beta plaques and soluble A beta oligomers induce mitochondrial oxidative stress in surrounding neurons in vivo, and whether this neurotoxic effect can be abrogated using mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants.MethodsWe expressed a genetically encoded fluorescent ratiometric mitochondria-targeted reporter of oxidative stress in mouse models of the disease and performed intravital multiphoton microscopy of neuronal mitochondria and A beta plaques.ResultsFor the first time, we demonstrated by direct observation in the living mouse brain exacerbated mitochondrial oxidative stress in neurons after both A beta plaque deposition and direct application of soluble oligomeric A beta onto the brain, and determined the most likely pathological sequence of events leading to oxidative stress in vivo. Oxidative stress could be inhibited by both blocking calcium influx into mitochondria and treating with the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SS31. Remarkably, the latter ameliorated plaque-associated dystrophic neurites without impacting A beta plaque burden.ConclusionsConsidering these results, combination of mitochondria-targeted compounds with other anti-amyloid beta or anti-tau therapies hold promise as neuroprotective drugs for the prevention and/or treatment of AD., Funding Agencies|National Institute on Aging; Schepens Eye Research Institute Gene Transfer Vector Core

Distinct aggregated proteins are correlated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases and the development of ligands that selectively detect these pathological hallmarks is vital. Recently, the synthesis of thiophene-based optical ligands, denoted bi-thiophene-vinyl-benzothiazoles (bTVBTs), that could be utilized for selective assignment of tau pathology in brain tissue with Alzheimers disease (AD) pathology, was reported. Herein, we investigate the ability of these ligands to selectively distinguish tau deposits from aggregated amyloid-beta (A beta), the second AD associated pathological hallmark, when replacing the terminal thiophene moiety with other heterocyclic motifs. The selectivity for tau pathology was reduced when introducing specific heterocyclic motifs, verifying that specific molecular interactions between the ligands and the aggregates are necessary for selective detection of tau deposits. In addition, ligands having certain heterocyclic moieties attached to the central thiophene-vinylene building block displayed selectivity to aggregated A beta pathology. Our findings provide chemical insights for the development of ligands that can distinguish between aggregated proteinaceous species consisting of different proteins and might also aid in creating novel agents for clinical imaging of tau pathology in AD., Funding Agencies|U.S. National Institutes of Health [UO1NS110437]; Swedish Research Council [2016-00748]; Swedish Brain Foundation; Swedish Alzheimer Foundation; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; Torsten Soderberg Foundation

The aggregation and accumulation of proteins in the brain is the defining feature of many devastating neurodegenerative diseases. The development of fluorescent ligands that bind to these accumulations, or deposits, is essential for the characterization of these neuropathological lesions. We report the synthesis of donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) thiophene-based ligands with different emission properties. The D-A-D ligands displayed selectivity towards distinct disease-associated protein deposits in histological sections from postmortem brain tissue of individuals affected by Alzheimers disease (AD). The ability of the ligands to selectively identify AD-associated pathological alterations, such as deposits composed of aggregates of the amyloid-beta (A beta) peptide or tau, was reduced when the chemical composition of the ligands was altered. When combining the D-A-D ligands with conventional thiophene-based ligands, superior spectral separation of distinct protein aggregates in AD tissue sections was obtained. Our findings provide the structural and functional basis for the development of new fluorescent ligands that can distinguish between aggregated proteinaceous species, as well as offer novel strategies for developing multiplex fluorescence detection of protein aggregates in tissue sections., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council [2016-00748]; Swedish Brain Foundation; Swedish Alzheimer Foundation; Torsten Soederberg Foundation; Konung Gustaf V:s och Drottning Victorias Frimurarestiftelse; U.S. National Institutes of Health [U01NS110437]

Misfolded A & beta; is involved in the progression of Alzheimers disease (AD). However, the role of its polymorphic variants or conformational strains in AD pathogenesis is not fully understood. Here, we study the seeding properties of two structurally defined synthetic misfolded A & beta; strains (termed 2F and 3F) using in vitro and in vivo assays. We show that 2F and 3F strains differ in their biochemical properties, including resistance to proteolysis, binding to strain-specific dyes, and in vitro seeding. Injection of these strains into a transgenic mouse model produces different pathological features, namely different rates of aggregation, formation of different plaque types, tropism to specific brain regions, differential recruitment of A & beta;(40)/A & beta;(42) peptides, and induction of microglial and astroglial responses. Importantly, the aggregates induced by 2F and 3F are structurally different as determined by ssNMR. Our study analyzes the biological properties of purified A & beta; polymorphs that have been characterized at the atomic resolution level and provides relevant information on the pathological significance of misfolded A & beta; strains., Funding Agencies|Junta de Andaluca Consejera de Economa y Conocimiento of Spain co-financed by Programa Operativo FEDER [P18-RT-2233, Z01-DK029061-14, U42OD11158]; National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI); National Institutes of Health [R56AG061878, RF1AG059321]; Alzheimers Association [AARGD-18-566576]; Health Institute Carlos II (ISCIII) of Spain; European Union; Junta de Andalucia Consejeria de Economia y Conocimiento of Spain; Programa Operativo FEDER 2014-2020 [P18-RT-2233, UMA18-FEDERJA-211]; Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Institutes of Health [Z01-DK029061-14]; NIH [U42OD11158]

Many efforts targeting amyloid-beta (A beta) plaques for the treatment of Alzheimers Disease thus far have resulted in failures during clinical trials. Regional and temporal heterogeneity of efficacy and dependence on plaque maturity may have contributed to these disappointing outcomes. In this study, we mapped the regional and temporal specificity of various anti-A beta treatments through high-resolution light-sheet imaging of electrophoretically cleared brains. We assessed the effect on amyloid plaque formation and growth in Thy1-APP/PS1 mice subjected to beta-secretase inhibitors, polythiophenes, or anti-A beta antibodies. Each treatment showed unique spatiotemporal A beta clearance, with polythiophenes emerging as a potent anti-A beta compound. Furthermore, aligning with a spatial-transcriptomic atlas revealed transcripts that correlate with the efficacy of each A beta therapy. As observed in this study, there is a striking dependence of specific treatments on the location and maturity of A beta plaques. This may also contribute to the clinical trial failures of A beta-therapies, suggesting that combinatorial regimens may be significantly more effective in clearing amyloid deposition., Funding Agencies|Swiss National Research Foundation [179040, 207872, 183563]; Gelu Foundation; Nomis Foundation; Swiss Personalized Health Network (SPHN) [2017DRI17]; USZ Foundation; Swedish Research Council [2016-00748]; European Research Council (BRAINCOMPATH) [670757]; NIH/NINDS [R01NS087159, R01NS091461]; NIH/NIA [RF1AG047666]; NIH/NIMH [RF1MH114227]

Optotracers are conformation-sensitive fluorescent tracer molecules that detect peptide- and carbohydrate-based biopolymers. Their binding to bacterial cell walls allows selective detection and visualisation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Here, we investigated the structural properties providing optimal detection of S. aureus. We quantified spectral shifts and fluorescence intensity in mixes of bacteria and optotracers, using automatic peak analysis, cross-correlation, and area-under-curve analysis. We found that the length of the conjugated backbone and the number of charged groups, but not their distribution, are important factors for selective detection of S. aureus. The photophysical properties of optotracers were greatly improved by incorporating a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D)-type motif in the conjugated backbone. With significantly reduced background and binding-induced on-switch of fluorescence, these optotracers enabled real-time recordings of S. aureus growth. Collectively, this demonstrates that chemical structure and photophysics are key tunable characteristics in the development of optotracers for selective detection of bacterial species., Funding Agencies|AIMES -Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences at Karolinska Institutet [1-249/2019]; KTH Royal Institute of Technology [VF-2019-0110]; Erling-Persson Family Foundation [4-1784/2016]; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research CouncilEuropean Commission [00748]; Swedish Foundation for Strategic ResearchSwedish Foundation for Strategic Research [SB12-00347]; Getinge AB [4-1599/2018]

Anionic pentameric thiophene acetates can be used for fluorescence detection and diagnosis of protein amyloid aggregates. Replacing the central thiophene unit by benzothiadiazole (BTD) or quinoxaline (QX) leads to large emission shifts and basic spectral features have been reported [Chem. Eur. J. 2015, 21, 15133-13137]. Here we present new detailed experimental results of solvent effects, time-resolved fluorescence and examples employing multi-photon microscopy and lifetime imaging. Quantum chemical response calculations elucidate how the introduction of the BTD/QX groups changes the electronic states and emissions. The dramatic red-shift follows an increased conjugation and quinoid character of the pi-electrons of the thiophene backbone. An efficient charge transfer in the excited states S-1 and S-2 compared to the all-thiophene analogue makes these more sensitive to the polarity and quenching by the solvent. Taken together, the results guide in the interpretation of images of stained Alzheimer disease brain sections employing advanced fluorescence microscopy and lifetime imaging, and can aid in optimizing future fluorescent ligand development., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2016-00748, 2018-4343]; Swedish e-Science Research Centre, SeRC

In several neurodegenerative diseases, the presence of aggregates of specific proteins in the brain is a significant pathological hallmark; thus, developing ligands able to bind to the aggregated proteins is essential for any effort related to imaging and therapeutics. Here we report the synthesis of thiophene-based ligands containing nitrogen heterocycles. The ligands selectively recognized amyloid-beta (A beta) aggregates in brain tissue from individuals diagnosed neuropathologically as having Alzheimers disease (AD). The selectivity for A beta was dependent on the position of nitrogen in the heterocyclic compounds, and the ability to bind A beta was shown to be reduced when introducing anionic substituents on the thiophene backbone. Our findings provide the structural and functional basis for the development of ligands that can differentiate between aggregated proteinaceous species comprised of distinct proteins. These ligands might also be powerful tools for studying the pathogenesis of A beta aggregation and for designing molecules for imaging of A beta pathology., Funding Agencies|U.S. National Institutes of HealthUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA [UO1NS110437]; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research CouncilEuropean Commission [2016-00748]; Swedish Brain Foundation; Swedish Alzheimer Foundation; Torsten Soderberg Foundation

We report (1) successful extraction and characterization of cellulose from northern hemisphere green macroalgae Ulva lactuca (Ulva fenestrata) collected along the Swedish west coast and cultivated indoors under controlled conditions, followed by (2) its utilization in the production of lignin-free cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). Cellulose was extracted by sequential treatment with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid, yielding a cellulose-rich insoluble fraction. The extracted cellulose was disintegrated into CNF using a mechanical homogenization process without any further enzymatic pre-treatments. In addition, regenerated cellulose was prepared. XRD characterization of the CNF showed characteristic peaks for the cellulose I allomorph and confirmed that the nanofibrils were semicrystalline with a crystallinity index of 48%. Regenerated cellulose was mostly amorphous with an XRD pattern indicating the presence of the cellulose II allomorph. The cellulose fractions were essentially free from inorganic substances and thermally stable up to around 260 degrees C. Structural mapping with CP-MAS C-13-NMR sustains the cellulose content of CNF and regenerated cellulose, respectively, yet ion chromatography identified the presence of 10-15% xylose in the fractions. Optotracing was used as a novel and non-disruptive tool to selectively assess the polysaccharide composition of the cellulose fractions and produced CNF aiming to shed light on this hitherto non-resolved origin of xylose in Ulva cell wall matter. Fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of a panel of 4 oligothiophenes identified and verified the presence of cellulose and sustain the conclusion that the isolated fractions consist of cellulose intertwined with a small amount of a xylose-containing glucan copolymer., QC 20200505

Methods for bacterial detection are needed to advance the infection research and diagnostics. Based on conformation-sensitive fluorescent tracer molecules, optotracing was recently established for dynamic detection and visualization of structural amyloids and polysaccharides in the biofilm matrix of gram-negative bacteria. Here, we extend the use of optotracing for detection of gram-positive bacteria, focussing on the clinically relevant opportunistic human pathogenStaphylococcus aureus. We identify a donor-acceptor-donor-type optotracer, whose binding-induced fluorescence enables real-time detection, quantification, and visualization ofS. aureusin monoculture and when mixed with gram-negativeSalmonellaEnteritidis. An algorithm-based automated high-throughput screen of 1920S. aureustransposon mutants recognized the cell envelope as the binding target, which was corroborated by super-resolution microscopy of bacterial cells and spectroscopic analysis of purified cell wall components. The binding event was essentially governed by hydrophobic interactions, which permitted custom-designed tuning of the binding selectivity towardsS. aureusversusEnterococcus faecalisby appropriate selection of buffer conditions. Collectively this work demonstrates optotracing as an enabling technology relevant for any field of basic and applied research, where visualization and detection ofS. aureusis needed., Funding Agencies|AIMES-Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences at Karolinska Institutet [1-249/2019]; KTH Royal Institute of Technology [VF-2019-0110]; Erling-Persson Family Foundation [4-1784/2016]; Swedish Foundation for Strategic ResearchSwedish Foundation for Strategic Research [SB12-00347]; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2016-00748]; Getinge AB [4-1599/2018]; Karolinska InstituteKarolinska Institutet

Protein deposits are associated with many devastating diseases and fluorescent ligands able to visualize these pathological entities are essential. Here, we report the synthesis of thiophene-based donor-acceptor-donor heptameric ligands that can be utilized for spectral assignment of distinct amyloid-beta (A beta) aggregates, one of the pathological hallmarks in Alzheimers disease. The ability of the ligands to selectively distinguish A beta deposits was abolished when the chemical composition of the ligands was altered. Our findings provide the structural and functional basis for the development of new fluorescent ligands that can distinguish between aggregated proteinaceous species consisting of the same peptide or protein. In addition, such ligands might aid in interpreting the potential role of polymorphic A beta deposits in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease., Funding Agencies|Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2016-00748]; Erling Persson foundation

Optotracing is a novel method for analytical imaging of carbohydrates in plant and microbial tissues. This optical method applies structure-responsive oligothiophenes as molecular fluorophores emitting unique optical signatures when bound to polysaccharides. Herein, we apply Carbotrace680, a short length anionic oligothiophene with a central heterocyclic benzodithiazole (BTD) motif, to probe for different glucans. The donor-acceptor-donor type electronic structure of Carbotrace680 provides improved spectral properties compared to oligothiophenes due to the possibility of intramolecular charge-transfer transition to the BTD motif. This enables differentiation of glucans based on the glycosidic linkage stereochemistry. Thus -configured starch is readily differentiated from -configured cellulose. The versatility of optotracing is demonstrated by dynamic monitoring of thermo-induced starch remodelling, shown in parallel by spectrophotometry and microscopy of starch granules. Imaging of Carbotrace680 bound to multiple glucans in plant tissues provided direct identification of their physical locations, revealing the spatial relationship between structural (cellulose) and storage (starch) glucans at sub-cellular scale. Our work forms the basis for the development of superior optotracers for sensitive detection of polysaccharides. Our non-destructive method for anatomical mapping of glucans in biomass will serve as an enabling technology for developments towards efficient use of plant-derived materials and biomass., QC 20190520

The detection of amyloid beta deposits and neurofibrillary tangles, both hallmarks of Alzheimers disease (AD), is key to understanding the mechanisms underlying these pathologies. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) enable fluorescence imaging of these protein aggregates. Using LCOs and multiphoton microscopy, individual tangles and amyloid beta deposits were labeled in vivo and imaged longitudinally in a mouse model of tauopathy and cerebral amyloidosis, respectively. Importantly, LCO HS-84, whose emission falls in the green region of the spectrum, allowed for the first time longitudinal imaging of tangle dynamics following a single intravenous injection. In addition, LCO HS-169, whose emission falls in the red region of the spectrum, successfully labeled amyloid beta deposits, allowing multiplexing with other reporters whose emission falls in the green region of the spectrum. In conclusion, this method can provide a new approach for longitudinal in vivo imaging using multiphoton microscopy of AD pathologies as well as other neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein aggregation in mouse models., Funding Agencies|NIHUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA [AG044263, AG060974, 1U01NS110437-01]; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council [2016-00748]; BrightFocus FoundationBrightFocus Foundation [A2019488F]; Alzheimers AssociationAlzheimers Association [2018-AARF-591935]

The development of chiral optoelectronic materials is of great interest due to their potential of being utilized in electronic devices, biosensors, and artificial enzymes. Herein, we report the chiral optical properties and architectural arrangement of optoelectronic materials generated from noncovalent self-assembly of a cationic synthetic peptide and five chemically defined anionic pentameric oligothiophenes. The peptide-oligothiophene hybrid materials exhibit a three-dimensional ordered helical structure and optical activity in the pi-pi* transition region that are observed due to a single chain induced chirality of the conjugated thiophene backbone upon interaction with the peptide. The latter property is highly dependent on electrostatic interactions between the peptide and the oligothiophene, verifying that a distinct spacing of the carboxyl groups along the thiophene backbone is a major chemical determinant for having a hybrid material with distinct optoelectronic properties. The necessity of the electrostatic interaction between specific carboxyl functionalities along the thiophene backbone and the lysine residues of the peptide, as well as the induced circular dichroism of the thiophene backbone, was also confirmed by theoretical calculations. We foresee that our findings will aid in designing optoelectronic materials with dynamic architectonical precisions as well as offer the possibility to create the next generation of materials for organic electronics and organic bioelectronics., Funding Agencies|Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation; Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Swedish Government Strategic Research Area in Materials Science on Functional Materials at Linkoping University [2009 00971]

The accumulation of protein aggregates is associated with many devastating neurodegenerative diseases and the development of molecular ligands able to detect these pathological hallmarks is essential. Here, the synthesis of thiophene based optical ligands, denoted bi-thiophene-vinyl-benzothiazoles (bTVBTs) that can be utilized for selective assignment of tau aggregates in brain tissue with Alzheimers disease (AD) pathology is reported. The ability of the ligands to selectively distinguish tau deposits from the other AD associated pathological hallmark, senile plaques consisting of aggregated amyloid- (A) peptide, was reduced when the chemical composition of the ligands was altered, verifying that specific molecular interactions between the ligands and the aggregates are necessary for the selective detection of tau deposits. Our findings provide the structural and functional basis for the development of new fluorescent ligands that can distinguish between aggregated proteinaceous species consisting of different proteins. In addition, the bTVBT scaffold might be utilized to create powerful practical research tools for studying the underlying molecular events of tau aggregation and for creating novel agents for clinical imaging of tau pathology in AD., Funding Agencies|Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Erling Persson Foundation; Swedish Research Council; NIH [P50AG05681, 5PO1-AG03991]

The accumulation of protein aggregates is associated with many devastating neurodegenerative diseases and the existence of distinct aggregated morphotypes has been suggested to explain the heterogeneous phenotype reported for these diseases. Thus, the development of molecular probes able to distinguish such morphotypes is essential. We report an anionic tetrameric oligothiophene compound that can be utilized for spectral assignment of different morphotypes of -amyloid or tau aggregates present in transgenic mice at distinct ages. The ability of the ligand to spectrally distinguish between the aggregated morphotypes was reduced when the spacing between the anionic substituents along the conjugated thiophene backbone was altered, which verified that specific molecular interactions between the ligand and the protein aggregate are necessary to detect aggregate polymorphism. Our findings provide the structural and functional basis for the development of new fluorescent ligands that can distinguish between different morphotypes of protein aggregates., Funding Agencies|Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Swedish Alzheimer Foundation; European Research Council Starting Independent Researcher Grant (MUMID)

By replacing the central thiophene unit of an anionic pentameric oligothiophene with other heterocyclic moities, a palette of pentameric thiophene-based ligands with distinct fluorescent properties were synthesized. All ligands displayed superior selectivity towards recombinant amyloid fibrils as well as disease-associated protein aggregates in tissue sections., Funding Agencies|Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Erling Persson foundation; Alzheimers Disease Research Center (NIH) [AGO 5131]; ERC from the European Research Council; Swedish e-Science Research Center (SeRC); Swedish Research Council [621-2014-4646]

Prions cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies for which no treatment exists. Prions consist of PrPSc, a misfolded and aggregated form of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). We explore the antiprion properties of luminescent conjugated polythiophenes (LCPs) that bind and stabilize ordered protein aggregates. By administering a library of structurally diverse LCPs to the brains of prion-infected mice via osmotic minipumps, we found that antiprion activity required a minimum of five thiophene rings bearing regularly spaced carboxyl side groups. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance analyses and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that anionic side chains interacted with complementary, regularly spaced cationic amyloid residues of model prions. These findings allowed us to extract structural rules governing the interaction between LCPs and protein aggregates, which we then used to design a new set of LCPs with optimized binding. The new set of LCPs showed robust prophylactic and therapeutic potency in prion-infected mice, with the lead compound extending survival by greater than80% and showing activity against both mouse and hamster prions as well as efficacy upon intraperitoneal administration into mice. These results demonstrate the feasibility of targeted chemical design of compounds that may be useful for treating diseases of aberrant protein aggregation such as prion disease., Funding Agencies|European Research Council; European Union; Swiss National Foundation; Novartis Research Foundation; University of Zurich; Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Zurich; Collegio Ghislieri, Pavia; Foundation for Research at the Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich; Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Swiss National Science Foundation [200020_146757, 315230_149897]; European Union Seventh Framework Program [Bio-NMR 261863]; Agence Nationale de la Recherche [ANR-11-BSV-8021-01, ANR-12-BS08-0013-01]; FP-7 EU-Health project LUPAS

A wide range of neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the deposition of multiple protein aggregates. Ligands for molecular characterization and discrimination of these pathological hallmarks are thus important for understanding their potential role in pathogenesis as well as for clinical diagnosis of the disease. In this regard, luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) have proven useful for spectral discrimination of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), two of the pathological hallmarks associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Herein, the solvatochromism of a library of anionic pentameric thiophene-based ligands, as well as their ability to spectrally discriminate Aβ and tau aggregates, were investigated. Overall, the results from this study identified distinct solvatochromic and viscosity-dependent behavior of thiophene-based ligands that can be applied as indices to direct the chemical design of improved LCOs for spectral separation of Aβ and tau aggregates in brain tissue sections. The results also suggest that the observed spectral transitions of the ligands are due to their ability to conform by induced fit to specific microenvironments within the binding interface of each particular protein aggregate. We foresee that these findings might aid in the chemical design of thiophene-based ligands that are increasingly selective for distinct disease-associated protein aggregates.

Understanding the photo-physical processes in fluorescent probes are essential as such dyes are widely utilized in molecular biology. Here we report the pH-dependent optical transitions of a library of anionic pentameric luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) that have been used for fluorescent identification of protein aggregates, the pathological hallmark of many devastating diseases. Absorption-, excitation- and emission spectra were recorded for all LCOs in different buffers with a pH range from 3.5 to 7. p-FTAA, a LCO having a central core consisting of a trimeric thiophene building block with head-to-head acetic acid functionalization as well as terminal carboxyl groups extending the pentameric thiophene backbone, displayed pH/dependent optical characteristics correlating to a non-planar to planar transition of the conjugated backbone as well as aggregation between adjacent thiophene chain upon protonation of the acetic acid side chains. In contrast, chemically related analogues to p-FTAA lacking the terminal carboxyl groups extending the pentameric thiophene backbone or the conformational ability to undergo a non/planar to planar transition of the conjugated backbone, displayed different optical characteristics compared to p-FTAA. Overall these studies highlighted that minor chemical alteration of LCOs can result in major difference in the optical characteristics obtained from the dyes and the results might aid in designing novel LCOs that have superior optical performance as amyloid ligands.

Protein misfolding diseases are characterized by deposition of protein aggregates, and optical ligands for molecular characterization of these disease-associated structures are important for understanding their potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) have proven useful for optical identification of a broader subset of disease-associated protein aggregates than conventional ligands, such as thioflavin T and Congo red. Herein, the molecular requirements for achieving LCOs able to detect nonthioflavinophilic Aβ aggregates or non-congophilic prion aggregates, as well as spectrally discriminate Aβ and tau aggregates, were investigated. An anionic pentameric LCO was subjected to chemical engineering by: 1) replacing thiophene units with selenophene or phenylene moieties, or 2) alternating the anionic substituents along the thiophene backbone. In addition, two asymmetric tetrameric ligands were generated. Overall, the results from this study identified conformational freedom and extended conjugation of the conjugated backbone as crucial determinants for obtaining superior thiophene-based optical ligands for sensitive detection and spectral assignment of disease-associated protein aggregates., Funding Agencies|Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research||European Research Council||NIH|P50AG056815PO1-AG03991

The aim of this work was to synthesize morphine-3-O-sulfate and morphine-6-O-sulfate for use as reference substances, and to determine the sulfate conjugates as possible heroin and morphine metabolites in plasma and urine by a validated LC-MS/MS method. Morphine-6-O-sulfate and morphine-3-O-sulfate were prepared as dihydrates from morphine hydrochloride, in overall yields of 41 and 39% with product purities of >99.5% and >98%, respectively. For bioanalysis, the chromatographic system consisted of a reversed-phase column and gradient elution. The tandem mass spectrometer was operated in the positive electrospray mode using selected reaction monitoring, of transition m/z 366.15 to 286.40. The measuring range was 5500?ng/mL for morphine-3-O-sulfate and 4.5454?ng/mL for morphine-6-O-sulfate in plasma. In urine, the measuring range was 505000?ng/mL for morphine-3-O-sulfate and 45.44544?ng/mL for morphine-6-O-sulfate. The intra-assay and total imprecision (coefficient of variation) was below 11% for both analytes in urine and plasma. Quantifiable levels of morphine-3-O-sulfate in authentic urine and plasma samples were found. Only one authentic urine sample contained a detectable level of morphine-6-O-sulfate, while no detectable morphine-6-O-sulfate was found in plasma samples., QC 20120309

This thesis deals mainly with the synthesis of various sulfur/selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds, many of which include structural features present in several biologically active molecules, with particular emphasis on compounds of synthetic importance, such as indoles, as well as other heteroaromatic species. In the first part, an efficient procedure toward synthesis of new 3-(arylthio)indoles based on reactions of aryl Grignard reagents or lithiated heteroaromatics with protected 3,3′-dithiobisindoles is described. In addition, the heterocyclic core of the marine alkaloid echinosulfone A, namely 3,3′-bis(indolyl) sulfone, was obtained by treatment of a 3-lithioindole derivative with bis(phenylsulfonyl) sulfide. These methodologies offer convenient synthetic routes toward a wide range of 3-(arylthio)indoles in good yields. In an extension, the sulfonation of 1-(phenylsulfonyl)indoles and pyrroles using chlorosulfonic acid in acetonitrile has been studied, leading to development of a simple and clean protocol for synthesis of the corresponding 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-indole-3-sulfonyl chlorides and 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-pyrrole-3-sulfonyl chlorides. In the second part, a new practical approach is described toward the synthesis of several biologically active indolothiopyrans and related selenopyrans, as analogues of indolocarbazoles. The target compounds were accessed via treatment of C-2 metalated indoles with bis(phenylsulfonyl) sulfide or selenide, followed by cyclization of the intermediate 2,2′-di(indolyl) sulfide/selenides, involving for example triethyl orthoformate under acidic conditions. The final section of this thesis describes a new method for synthesis of dibenzo[b,f]thiepins and related fused systems via ortho-metalation of aromatic acetals, followed by treatment with bis(phenylsulfonyl) sulfide, initially giving symmetrical diaryl-sulfides, which were subjected to deacetalization, and finally McMurry coupling. The method could also be extended to pre

A series of thio- and selenopyrans having two fused indole units, structurally related to indolocarbazoles, have been prepared and evaluated for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) affinity, leading to the identification of several new significant AhR ligands. In particular, the parent thiopyrano[2,3-b:6,5-b′]diindole and its derivative having a methyl group in the central ring, as well as the two corresponding selenopyrans, displayed the highest potencies of the compounds tested.

Barettin (cyclo [(6-bromo-8-en-tryptophan) arginine]), a diketopiperazine isolated from the marine sponge Geodia barretti, is a potent inhibitor of barnacle larvae settlement with an EC50-value of 0.9 mu M. In the present study, 14 analogs of barettin and its structural congener dipodazine were synthezised and tested for their ability to inhibit larval settlement. Two of the analogs have an intact barettin skeleton. The remaining analogs have a dipodazine skeleton (a diketopiperazine where arginine is replaced with glycine). Six of the tested synthetic analogs displayed significant settlement inhibition with the most potent inhibitor being benzo[g]dipodazine, which displayed even stronger activity than barettin (EC50-value 0.034 mu M). The effect of benzo[g]dipodazine was also shown to be readily reversible, when cyprids were transferred to filtered seawater (FSW).

The sulfonation of various 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-pyrroles and 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-indoles using chlorosulfonic acid in acetonitrile has been studied, leading to the development of a clean and operationally simple protocol allowing direct synthesis of the corresponding 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-pyrrole-3-sulfonyl chlorides and 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-indole-3-sulfonyl chlorides, respectively, both of which may be easily converted to various sulfonamide derivatives by treatment with nitrogen nucleophiles. Efficient and selective removal of the phenylsulfonyl- or tosyl groups in the sulfonamide series may be achieved under mild conditions.

A new approach to 3-(arylthio)indoles and related compounds has been developed, based on the reactions of aryl Grignard reagents or lithiated heteroaroinatics with a phenylsulfonyl-protected 3,3'-bis(indolyl) disulfide. In addition, a rational approach to the 3,3'-bis(indolyl) sulfone core of the alkaloid echinosulfone A has been accomplished, involving treatment of a 3-lithioindole with bis(phenylsulfonyl) sulfide as the key step.

Protein misfolding diseases are characterized by deposition of protein aggregates and optical ligands for molecular characterization of these disease-associated structures are important for understanding their potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs) have proven useful for optical identification of a broader subset of disease-associated protein aggregates than conventional ligands, such as Thioflavin T (ThT) and Congo red. Herein, the molecular requirements for achieving LCOs able to detect non-thioflavinophilic Aβ aggregates or non-congophilic prion aggregates, as well as spectrally discriminate Aβ and tau aggregates, were investigated. An anionic pentameric LCO was subjected to chemical engineering by i) replacing thiophene units with selenophene or phenylene moieties or ii) alternating the anionic substituents along the thiophene backbone. In addition, two asymmetric tetrameric ligands were generated. Overall, the results from this study identified conformational freedom and extended conjugation of the conjugated backbone as crucial determinants for obtaining superior thiophene-based optical ligands for sensitive detection and spectral assignment of diseaseassociated protein aggregates.

QC 20200115