Selecting FRET pairs for visualizing amyloid aggregation

Abstract

In a recent work, we reported a methodology for imaging the different stages of amyloid aggregation in quantitative multiparametric dual-color fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and superresolution microscopy by using a pair of dyes capable of binding aggregates and undergoing subsequent intra-aggregate energy transfer (FRET) (RuizArias et al. Sensors Actuat. B, 2022, 350:130882). In this microarticle we present the optimization process for choosing the best pair of dyes through a screening of different naphthalimides and quinolimides and other known amyloid-binding dyes.

Keywords

• Amyloid fibrils
• Protein aggregation
• Solvatochromic dyes
• Biomarkers
• FLIM
• STED microscopy