Applications

• Advanced imaging tool for Alzheimer’s disease research.
• Detection and tracking of amyloid beta (Aβ42) aggregation in real-time.
• High-contrast staining of plaques for neuroscience studies.
• Foundational molecule for developing therapeutic compounds targeting Alzheimer’s peptide

Advantages/Benefits

• Unique ability to bind free Aβ42 peptides, making it useful for diagnostics and basic science assays
• Higher-contrast plaque visualization while minimizing interference from surrounding cells
• Over 4000-fold fluorescence signal above background for superior imaging
• Improved tracking of early-stage amyloid beta aggregation with high sensitivity and precision in real-time
• Potential scaffold for Aβ42-binding compounds

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is linked to the formation of plaques made from amyloid beta peptides (Aβ42). While these plaques are well-studied, smaller early-stage aggregates are thought to be the primary drivers of neurotoxicity. Existing imaging tools, such as Thioflavin T and Congo Red, are unable to detect these early species.  Berkeley Lab researchers have developed Phazr, a novel fluorophore that enables real-time tracking of Aβ42 aggregation, from the earliest stages to fibril plaques, overcoming limitations of traditional probes.

Technology Overview

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed Phazr, a near-infrared fluorophore specifically engineered to monitor amyloid beta (Aβ42) aggregation with high sensitivity and precision. Phazr binds to Aβ42 peptides with low micromolar affinity, enabling real-time tracking of their progression from soluble forms to mature plaques. Its environment-sensitive spectral shifts and changes in fluorescence intensity allow for detailed observation of aggregation dynamics. Unlike conventional probes, Phazr delivers distinct, high-contrast staining of plaques while reducing interference from surrounding cells. Furthermore, it provides over 4000-fold signal enhancement for plaques without the need for wash steps, facilitating clear imaging in complex biological environments, including co-cultures with neural cells. This innovative fluorophore represents a transformative tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and the critical early stages of plaque formation.

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Principal Investigator(s)

• Line Kristensen
• Bruce Cohen

Status

Patent pending

Opportunities

Available for licensing or collaborative research