Patent Description:
The pathogenesis of misfolded protein disorders is characterized by the conversion of normal proteins into aggregation-prone β-sheet rich conformations. These conformations are implicated in amyloidogenic disease. In the case of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), self-assembly of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein into neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils is a leading postulation in regard to a major mechanism that causes AD.

Alzheimer's diseases is associated with a specific structural form of the Aβ protein (e.g., a "misfolded protein" or a self-aggregated protein), while the protein in a different structural form (e.g., a "normal protein") is not harmful. Misfolded Aβ protein form aggregates that self-assemble into non-branching fibrils with the common characteristic of a β-pleated sheet conformation. In the central nervous system (CNS), amyloid deposits can be present in cerebral and meningeal blood vessels (cerebrovascular deposits) and in brain parenchyma (plaques). Neuropathological studies in human and animal models indicate that cells proximal to amyloid deposits are disturbed in their normal functions. See, e.g., <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>. Other studies additionally indicate that amyloid fibrils may actually initiate neurodegeneration. See, e.g., <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>.

While the underlying molecular mechanism that results in protein misfolding is still not completely understood, a common characteristic is the propensity to form aggregates and/or fibrils which exhibit a β-sheet structure or other conformations. Fibril formation and the subsequent formation of secondary β-sheet structures associated with plaque deposits, occurs via a complex mechanism involving a nucleation stage, in which monomers of the protein associate to form oligomers, which associate to form fibrils, followed by extension of the fibrils at each end. For example, Aβ protein monomers can be found in various parts of healthy individuals, including body fluids (e.g., blood and cerebrospinal fluid) and tissue (e.g., brain). Disease caused by misfolded Aβ protein appears to correlate with self-assembly of the monomers into oligomers (soluble aggregates), insoluble oligomers (e.g., insoluble amorphous self-aggregates), protofibrils, or fibrils, eventually forming into non-soluble, large aggregated deposits such as plaques found in diseased individuals.

Two abundant forms of Aβ protein found in amyloid plaques are Aβ<NUM>-<NUM> (also referred to as Aβ40) and Aβ<NUM>-<NUM> (also referred to as Aβ42). Although Aβ40 is more abundant, Aβ42 is the more fibrillogenic and is the major component of the two in amyloid deposits of both AD and CAA. See, e.g., <NPL>). In addition to the amyloid deposits in AD cases described above, AD cases can be associated with amyloid deposition in the vascular walls. See, e.g., <NPL>; <NPL>. A review of assay development to reliably and routinely detect Aβ oligomers and high-molecular-weight particles in CSF is provided in <NPL>. There remains a need for methods of detecting Aβ oligomers, which can provide insight into the risk for, presence, progression, severity and prognosis of disease and/or the efficacy of therapeutic agents aimed at disrupting the formation of Aβ protein aggregates.

Provided herein are methods for detecting Aβ oligomers in a biological sample, as defined in the claims.

In particular, provided herein is a method of detecting Aβ oligomers in a biological sample that has been obtained from a subject, comprising preparing a test sample comprising the biological sample that has been obtained from a subject and a peptide probe, wherein the peptide probe consists of from <NUM> to <NUM> amino acid residues and comprises an amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs:<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the peptide probe preferentially binds to Aβ oligomers and is labeled with a fluorescent label capable of emitting a fluorescent signal, wherein the peptide probe forms complexes with any Aβ oligomer present in the biological sample; subjecting the test sample to flow cytometry to detect the fluorescent signal of the complexes; wherein the fluorescent signal of the complexes is directly correlated with the presence and amount of Aβ oligomers in the biological sample.

In some embodiments, the biological sample comprises erythrocytes, wherein the Aβ oligomer is associated with the erythrocytes present in the biological sample that has been obtained from the subject, wherein the peptide probe forms a complex with Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes, and wherein the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the biological sample comprises platelets, wherein the Aβ oligomer is associated with the platelets present in the biological sample that has been obtained from the subject, wherein the peptide probe forms a complex with Aβ oligomer present on the surface of platelets, and wherein the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, an Aβ load of the subject is to be determined and the method further comprises: preparing a second test sample comprising a biological sample that has been obtained from the subject that comprises cells, synthetic Aβ oligomer, and the peptide probe, wherein the peptide probe forms second complexes with Aβ oligomer associated with cells in the biological sample and with synthetic Aβ oligomer; and subjecting the second test sample to flow cytometry to detect the fluorescent signal of the second complexes, wherein a difference between the signal of the first complex in the first test sample and the signal of the second complexes in the second test sample is inversely correlated with the Aβ oligomer load of the subject.

In any of these methods, the fluorescent label may be an FITC label.

In any of these methods the detecting steps may comprise direct detection of the fluorescent signal of the complex or complexes.

In any of these methods, the peptide probe may consist of SEQ ID NO:<NUM> (Pep-<NUM>).

In any of these methods, the biological sample may comprise a sample of body fluid, such as blood, blood plasma, CSF, or brain homogenate. In any of these methods, the biological sample may comprise erythrocytes, including isolated erythrocytes. In any of these methods, the biological sample may comprise platelets, including isolated platelets. In some embodiments, the Aβ oligomer is associated with one or more cells selected from the group consisting of an erythrocyte, a platelet a leukocyte or a tissue cell. In some embodiments, the one or more cells comprises an erythrocyte and a platelet, optionally wherein the detecting comprises separately detecting Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes and Aβ oligomer associated with platelets.

In some embodiments, the complex formed and/or detected comprises peptide probe, Aβ oligomer, and an erythrocyte from the biological sample; peptide probe, Aβ oligomer, and a platelet from the biological sample, or peptide probe, synthetic Aβ oligomer, and an erythrocyte or platelet from the biological sample.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

The term "about" and the use of ranges in general, whether or not qualified by the term about, means that the number comprehended is not limited to the exact number set forth herein, and is intended to refer to ranges substantially within the quoted range while not departing from the scope of the invention. As used herein, "about" will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent on the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the context in which it is used, "about" will mean up to plus or minus <NUM>% of the particular term.

As used herein, "subject" denotes any animal including humans and domesticated animals, such as fish, cats, dogs, swine, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, and the like. "Subject" also includes experimental, laboratory animal models, such as transgenic animals used in biology and medical research. "Subject" also includes animals used in research settings, including fish, worms, mice and other small mammals, including vertebrates and non-vertebrates. A typical subject may be suspected of suffering from amyloidogenic disease, suspected of having been exposed to conditions creating a risk for amyloidogenic disease, have a genetic risk for amyloidogenic disease (e.g., individuals with family members suffering from amyloidogenic disease or having ApoE4 allele variants), or may be desirous of determining risk or status with respect to amyloidogenic disease.

The term "biological sample" is used herein to refer to a sample from a subject. "Biological sample" includes body fluids, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, tissue homogenate, urine, saliva, serum, and sweat. "Blood" includes whole blood, blood cells (including erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes) and plasma. "Plasma" includes platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma. "Tissue homogenate" includes brain homogenate, other neural tissue homogenate, eye tissue homogenate, vascular tissue homogenate, lung tissue homogenate, kidney tissue homogenate, heart tissue homogenate, liver tissue homogenate and other tissue homogenates.

"Endogenous," "native," and "naturally occurring" oligomers refer to oligomers present in a source occurring in or obtained from nature, such as a biological sample from a subject. An endogenous oligomer may include post-translational modifications, including, but not limited to, acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, lipidation, acylation, farnesylation and cleavage.

As used herein, "Aβ protein" includes Aβ<NUM>-<NUM> (also referred to as Aβ40) and Aβ<NUM>-<NUM> (also referred to as Aβ42), which represent alternative carboxy-terminal truncations of APP. See, e.g., <NPL>; <NPL>. Aβ40 and Aβ42 have identical amino acid sequences, with Aβ42 having two additional residues (Ile and Ala) at its C terminus. The term also includes all naturally occurring mutants, including naturally occurring mutants known to exhibit increased tendency to form aggregates. Such mutants are known in the art, such as those disclosed in <NPL>.

The term "Aβ oligomer" is used herein to refer to an association of two or more Aβ monomers. Monomers may be associated covalently or non-covalently, e.g., by covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals interactions, etc. "Aβ oligomers" include, but are not limited to, for example, Aβ peptide dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers, hexamers, dodecamers, and higher order oligomers. An Aβ oligomer may comprise Aβ monomers having the same or different amino acid sequences. Typically, Aβ oligomers comprise Aβ proteins in the β-sheet conformation.

The Aβ oligomer may be a "soluble Aβ oligomer. " As used herein, the term "soluble Aβ oligomer" means soluble in aqueous and/or physiological conditions at temperatures in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, such as about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, and about <NUM>. For example, a composition comprising a soluble Aβ oligomer would not have any particulate matter visible to the human eye and/or would not contain an appreciable amount of fibrillar particles as determined, for example, by ThT staining.

As used herein, "conformation" refers to the secondary or tertiary structure of a protein or peptide, for example, an alpha-helix, random coil or β-sheet secondary structure. A "conformation shift" means any change in the conformation of the non-primary structure of the protein, such as a change in the distance between the N- and C-termini (or between any other two points ), folding more or less compactly, changing from predominantly one secondary structure to predominantly another secondary structure, such as from predominantly alpha helix/random coil to predominantly β-sheet, or any change in the relative amounts of different secondary structures, such as a change in the relative amounts of alpha helix/random coil and β-sheet secondary structures even without a change in the predominant secondary structure.

"Probe" refers to a peptide or peptide mimic that binds to Aβ oligomer. As used herein, a probe may or may not undergo a conformation shift upon association with Aβ oligomer. The probe may be a conformationally dynamic peptide based on the human Aβ protein sequence, as described in <CIT>. For convenience, the peptides and peptide mimics are referred to herein as "probes" without detracting from their utility in other contexts. These probes are discussed in more detail below.

"Peptide mimic" is also referred to as a peptidomimic or peptidomimetic or peptoid and refers to any molecule that mimics the properties of a peptide, such as peptide structure and certain physiochemical properties. Peptide mimics include polymeric molecules that mimic the folding and/or secondary structure of a specific peptide, as well as those that mimic the biological or chemical properties of a peptide. Peptide mimics may have an amino acid backbone and contain non-natural chemical or amino acid substitutions. Peptoids may have side chains (R-groups) on the backbone amide nitrogen, instead of the alpha carbon as in peptides. This may serve one or more of several purposes: (<NUM>) peptoids may be resistant to proteolysis; (<NUM>) since peptoid secondary structure formation may not depend on hydrogen bonding, they may exhibit enhanced thermal stability as compared to peptides, and (<NUM>) the large number of available peptoid residues allows for the production of a large variety of three-dimensional structures that may aid in assay development. Alternatively, peptide mimics may have different chemical backbones, such as β-peptides, anthranilamide oligomers, oligo (m-phenylene ethynylene), oligourea, oligopyrrolinones, azatides and N-substituted glycine oligomers. Peptide mimics may have different chemical properties, such as resistance to proteases, while retaining peptide characteristics, such as peptide folding and peptide-peptide interactions (including, for example, interactions via hydrogen bonding, etc.). Peptide mimics are described in <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>.

"Similarity" between two peptides is determined by comparing the amino acid sequence of one peptide to the sequence of a second peptide. An amino acid of one peptide is similar to the corresponding amino acid of a second peptide if it is identical or a conservative amino acid substitution. Conservative substitutions include those described in <NPL>), and in <NPL>. For example, amino acids belonging to one of the following groups represent conservative changes or substitutions:.

"Homology," "homologs of," "homologous," "identity," or "similarity" refers to sequence similarity between two peptides, with identity being a more strict comparison. Homology and identity may each be determined by comparing a position in each sequence that may be aligned for purposes of comparison. When a position in the compared sequence is occupied by the same amino acid, then the molecules are identical at that position. A degree of identity of amino acid sequences is a function of the number of identical amino acids at positions shared by the amino acid sequences. A degree of homology or similarity of amino acid sequences is a function of the number of amino acids, i.e., structurally related, at positions shared by the amino acid sequences. An "unrelated" or "non-homologous" sequence shares <NUM>% or less identity, with one of the sequences described herein. Related sequences share more than <NUM>% sequence identity, such as at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, at least about <NUM>% sequence identity, or at least about <NUM>% sequence identity.

The term "percent identity" refers to amino acid sequence identity between two peptides. Identity may be determined by comparing a position in each sequence that is aligned for purposes of comparison. When an equivalent position in one compared sequence is occupied by the same amino acid in the other at the same position, then the molecules are identical at that position; when the equivalent site occupied by the same or a similar amino acid residue (e.g., similar in steric and/or electronic nature), then the molecules may be referred to as homologous (similar) at that position. Expression as a percentage of homology, similarity, or identity refers to a function of the number of identical or similar amino acids at positions shared by the compared sequences. Various alignment algorithms and/or programs may be used, including FASTA, BLAST, or ENTREZ, FASTA and BLAST are available as part of the GCG sequence analysis package (University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. ), and may be used with, e.g., default settings. ENTREZ is available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Md. The percent identity of two sequences may be determined by the GCG program with a gap weight of <NUM>, e.g., each amino acid gap is weighted as if it were a single amino acid mismatch between the two sequences. Other techniques for determining sequence identity are well known and described in the art.

Described herein are novel methods for detecting Aβ oligomer associated with Alzheimer's Disease in biological samples from a subject. The methodologies use flow cytometry and in some embodiements detect Aβ oligomer associated with cells present in biological samples obtained from a subject. The methods use peptide probes that preferentially bind to oliogomeric forms of Aβ protein, such as soluble Aβ oligomers, as described in greater detail further below.

The peptide probe consists of from <NUM> to <NUM> amino acid residues and comprises an amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs:<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, preferentially binds to Aβ oligomers, and is labeled with a fluorescent label. In further specific embodiments, the peptide probe consists of SEQ ID NO:<NUM>.

Flow cytometry is a fluid-based detection technique that passes cells or particles in a liquid biological sample through a detector, and permits the detection of the cells or particles. Once detected, the cells or particles can be sorted depending on size or any marker (e.g., fluorescent label) associated with the cell.

Prior to the present invention, it was not believed that flow cytometry could be used to detect complexes of peptide probes and Aβ oligomer because the complexes were thought to be too small to be detected. Where flow cytometry has been used to detect Aβ protein complexes, the complexes contained an antibody and/or a solid bead platform, which are much larger complexes. See, e.g., <NPL>); <CIT>; <NPL>). However, it was surprisingly discovered that flow cytometry can be used in the methods described herein.

The methods of the invention comprise preparing a test sample comprising the biological sample and a peptide probe according to the claims, wherein the peptide probe is labeled with a fluorescent label and forms complexes with any Aβ oligomer present in the biological sample, and subjecting the test sample to flow cytometry to detect the signal of any such complexes. In accordance with such methods, the fluorescent signal of the complexes is directly correlated with the presence and amount of Aβ oligomers in the biological sample.

As noted above, the biological sample may comprise a sample of body fluid, such as whole blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and/or tissue homogenate (e.g., brain homogenate). In some embodiments, the body fluid comprises blood plasma, which may be platelet rich or platelet poor blood plasma. In some embodiments, the body fluid comprises erythrocytes, optionally wherein the erythrocytes are isolated erythrocytes. In some embodiments, the body fluid comprises platelets, optionally wherein the platelets are isolated platelets. The sample may comprise erythrocytes and platelets. The sample may or may not include cells.

In some embodiments, the label of an FITC label. The oligomer may be associated with a cell present in the biological sample, such as with an erythrocyte or platelet present in the biological sample, as discussed in more detail below. The complex may comprise peptide probe, Aβ oligomer, and a cell from the biological sample.

While not wanting to be bound by any theory, it is believed that certain cells may be involved in the transport of Aβ protein in vivo, such as erythrocytes, platelets, and/or leukocytes, and that endogenous Aβ oligomers may be associated with such cells. Further, endogenous Aβ oligomers may be associated with tissue cells, such as neurological tissue cells, such as brain tissue cells. For example, Aβ oligomer may be associated with such cells such as by being bound (covalently or otherwise) on the cell surface, in the cell membrane, or intracellularly.

In some embodiments, the Aβ oligomer is associated with one or more cells, selected from the group consisting of erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes and tissue cells. Thus the methods may comprise contacting cells ex vivo with a peptide probe that preferentially binds to Aβ oligomers and is labeled with a fluorescent label, such that the peptide probe forms a complex with Aβ oligomer associated with cells; and detecting the fluorescent signal of the complex.

The peptide probe is labeled with a fluorescent label, and the signal is detected by a flow cytometry. Other known detection methods inlcude direct detection such as using fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and fluorescence spectroscopy. Other detectable labels are known, such as an excimer-forming pyrene moiety, or any other suitable detectable label, such as the labels discussed in more detail below.

The biological sample obtained from a subject may comprise multiple cell types (e.g., erythrocytes and platelets) and is subjected to flow cytometry that may separate complexes formed with each cell type, as noted above. For example, in some embodiments, the flow cytometry separately detects the fluorescent signal of Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes and the fluorescent signal of Aβ oligomer associated with platelets, such as based on the different sizes of such complexes.

In some embodiments, the methods comprise determining an Aβ oligomer load of the subject, as defined in the claims. As noted above, while not wanting to be bound by any theory, it is believed that certain cells may be involved in the transport of Aβ protein in vivo, such as erythrocytes, platelets, and/or leukocytes, and that such cells may be loaded with endogenous Aβ oligomers. Further, endogenous Aβ oligomers may be associated with tissue cells, such as neurological tissue cells, such as brain tissue cells. It is believed that by determining the degree of Aβ oligomer loading of such cells, one can assess the risk, presence, progression, severity and/or prognosis of Alzheimer's disease in the subject, with higher loading generally being indicative of greater disease progression.

In some embodiments, Aβ oligomer load is determined by detecting Aβ oligomer associated with one or more cells present in a biological sample obtained from a subject, selected from the group consisting of an erythrocyte, a platelet, a leukocyte or a tissue cell, by detecting Aβ oligomer in first biological sample according to the claimed method; preparing a second test sample comprising a biological sample that has been obtained from the subject that comprises cells, synthetic Aβ oligomer, and the peptide probe, wherein the peptide probe forms second complexes with Aβ oligomer associated with cells in the biological sample and with synthetic Aβ oligomer; and subjecting the second test sample to flow cytometry to detect the fluorescent signal of the second complexes in the second test sample,
wherein a difference between the signal of the first complex in the first test sample and the signal of the second complexes in the second test sample is inversely correlated with the Aβ oligomer load of the subject. That is, if the second test sample exhibits a significantly greater signal than the first, that indicates that the cells were not fully loaded with endogenous Aβ oligomer, but were susceptible to further loading with synthetic Aβ oligomer, which resulted in the greater signal. On the other hand if the second test sample does not exhibit a greater signal than the first, that indicates that the cells were loaded with endogenous Aβ oligomer, and so were not very susceptible to further loading with synthetic Aβ oligomer.

In accordance with these methods, any biological sample can be used that includes cells that may be loaded with endogenous Aβ oligomer, such as erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes, or tissue cells, such as cells from neurological tissue or brain.

The second test sample may be prepared by combining the biological sample and synthetic Aβ oligomer and then adding the labeled peptide probe. This permits the synthetic Aβ oligomer to associate with cells in the biological sample before the peptide probe is added.

The peptide probe is labeled with a fluorescent label, and the signals are detected by flow cytometry. Other known detection methods include direct detection such as using fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Other detectable labels are known, such as an excimer-forming pyrene moiety, or any other suitable detectable label, such as the labels discussed in more detail below.

Different signals corresponding to Aβ oligomer associated with different cell types may be detected by flow cytometry as discussed above.

Detection methods other than flow cytometry are disclosed herein. Assays similar to immunoassays but using a peptide probe as described herein instead of an antibody can be used to detect Aβ oligomer in a biological sample. Such methods are referred to as a peptide-linked immunosorbent assay (i.e., "PLISA"). The PLISA can be a sandwich assay or a competitive assay. The PLISA uses a solid-phase such as a plate that can be used in a fluorescence detection apparatus, such as a fluorescence plate reader, or a bead with capture antibody or capture peptide attached thereto. Such methods are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

A combination of detection methods can be used to detect Aβ oligomer. A combination of flow cytometry and non-flow cytometry methods can be used to detect Aβ oligomer.

As noted above, some of the methods described herein use synthetic Aβ oligomers. Synthetic Aβ oligomers include stabilized synthetic Aβ oligomers as described in <CIT>. The synthetic Aβ oligomers can include covalent and/or noncovalent complexes of Aβ monomers, and may comprise several to several hundred monomer units. The synthetic Aβ oligomers may be about <NUM> to <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM>-<NUM>, or about <NUM>, including about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids. The monomers can comprise one or more of Aβ3-<NUM>, Aβ37, Aβ38, Aβ39, Aβ40 and Aβ42.

As noted above, peptide probes according to the claimed method preferentially bind to Aβ oligomer, and thus are useful for detecting Aβ oligomer. The the peptide probe may preferentially binds soluble Aβ oligomer, as compared to Aβ monomer and higher order Aβ protein aggregates such as insoluble oligomers, insoluble amorphous self-aggregates, protofibrils or fibrils.

As noted above, <CIT> and <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> describe peptide probes that can be used in the methods described herein. The peptide probe according to the claimed method consists of from <NUM> to <NUM> amino acid residues and comprises an amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs:<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, preferentially binds to Aβ oligomers, and is labeled with a fluorescent label. In further specific embodiments, the peptide probe consists of SEQ ID NO:<NUM>.

The probe does not include the full-length sequence of the Aβ protein, such as Aβ40 or Aβ42. The peptide probe consists of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, and may consist of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids, or any other range between about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids. The probes may consist of about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> amino acids, about <NUM> amino acids, or any other number between about <NUM> and about <NUM> amino acids. Probes of different lengths may exhibit different degrees of interaction and binding to Aβ oligomer, and suitable lengths can be selected by the skilled artisan guided by the teachings herein.

The probe may comprise a minimum number of contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein, such as at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein, or any range between these numbers, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence.

The probe may comprise a maximum number of contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein, such as up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, or up to about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence, or any range between these numbers, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence.

The probes may or may not undergo a conformation shift upon association with Aβ oligomer. Association of the peptide probe with Aβ oligomer may be detected independently of any conformational shift that may or may not occur, such as by direct detection of probe associated with target oligomer, such as by detection of a detectable label on probe associated with target oligomer. The association may be temporary, such as an initial association of the probe with the Aβ oligomer and a later dissociation of the probe from the Aβ oligomer. Detectable labels are described in greater detail below.

The peptide probe may comprise an amino acid sequence of the Aβ protein that undergoes a conformational shift, such as a shift from an α-helix/random coil conformation to a β-sheet conformation, or comprises a variant of such a sequence. For example, amino acids <NUM>-<NUM> of the Aβ protein are known to comprise a β-sheet forming region. Thus, the probe may comprise amino acids <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> of the Aβ protein, or an amino acid sequence that is a variant thereof. The probe may also comprise amino acids <NUM>-<NUM> or <NUM>-<NUM> of the Aβ protein, or an amino acid sequence that is a variant thereof. The amino acid sequence of the peptide probe may be designed, therefore, from the Aβ protein sequence, based on existing sequence and conformation information or, alternatively, may be readily determined experimentally.

The peptide probes may be capable of adopting both a primarily random coil/alpha-helix conformation and a primarily β-sheet conformation, and adopt a primarily β-sheet conformation upon binding to target oligomer exhibiting a primarily β-sheet conformation. The peptide probe may be provided in a primarily α-helix/random coil conformation, and undergoes a conformation shift to a primarily β-sheet conformation upon contact, binding, association and/or interaction with Aβ oligomer in a primarily β-sheet conformation. The peptide probe may shift conformation by becoming more condensed, more diffuse, or adopting any different configuration. The peptide probe may more closely adopts the conformation of the Aβ oligomer. The probe may be provided in any physiologically acceptable solution. For example, the probe may be prepared as a trifluoracetic salt and resuspended in an organic solvent, such as <NUM>% hexafluorisopropanol (HFIP) or <NUM>% acetonitrile (ACN).

The peptide probe may comprise a variant sequence based on a corresponding region of the Aβ protein sequence. The variant sequence may comprise one or more amino acid additions, substitutions or deletions relative to the Aβ protein sequence, such that the variant sequence (or the peptide probe as a whole) has an amino acid sequence having at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or <NUM>% identity to the Aβ protein sequence. The peptide probe may have an amino acid sequence with one or more additional amino acids at either terminus, or at both termini, as compared to the reference sequence. Additions, substitutions, and deletions may also be made at an internal portion of the reference sequence, or both internally and terminally. The peptide probe may further comprises the addition of a lysine residue at the C-terminus, or another label to facilitate purification and/or labeling.

The reference sequence may comprise a minimum number of contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein, such as at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM>, at least about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence, or any range between these numbers, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence.

The reference sequence may comprise a maximum number of contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein, such as up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, up to about <NUM>, or up to about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence, or any range between these numbers, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM> contiguous amino acids of the Aβ protein sequence.

As disclosed above, the variant sequence optionally may adopt either a more- or less-ordered conformation upon binding to a target protein exhibiting a β-sheet conformation. The target protein is Aβ protein, and the variant sequence may comprise one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of G29H, G29R, G29K, and G33E. Additionally or alternatively, the β-sheet structure of the variant sequence may be less thermodynamically strong than that of the reference sequence. The variant sequence may comprises one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of I32S, F19S, S26D, H29D, I31D, L34D, and L34P.

Additionally or alternatively, the variant sequence may have an increased hydrophilicity and/or solubility in aqueous solutions than the reference sequence. The variant sequence may comprise one or more amino acid additions or substitutions that introduce a glutamic acid residue and/or a d-arginine residue. Additionally or alternatively, the variant sequence may be conjugated to a hydrophilic moiety, such as a soluble polyethylene glycol moiety.

The variant sequence may comprise the substitution of at least one residue with a glutamic acid residue. The variant sequence may comprise the substitution of at least one residue with a histidine residue. The sequence may comprise one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of an isoleucine residue with a serine residue; glutamic acid residue with either a proline residue, a glycine residue, a glutamine residue or a lysine residue; a phenylalanine residue with a serine residue; a leucine residue with a proline residue; an alanine residue with a glycine residue; and an aspartic acid residue with an asparagine residue.

The peptide probes described herein may bind to Aβ protein oligomer and undergo a conformation shift upon such binding. The conformation shift may comprise a change in the distance between the N- and C-termini of the probe (or between any other two points), folding more or less compactly, changing from predominantly one secondary structure to predominantly another secondary structure, or any change in the relative amounts of different secondary structures, or any change in the relationship between any labels on the probes. The probes may be conformationally dynamic peptides based on the human Aβ sequence, as described in <CIT>.

Any of the probes described herein can be presented in D- or L-enantiomeric form.

Any of the probes described herein may be end-capped at one or both of the C-terminus and the N-terminus with a small hydrophobic peptide ranging in size from about <NUM> to about <NUM> amino acids. One or both of the C-terminus and N-terminus may have a lysine residue, such as to facilitate labeling. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the C-terminus and N-terminus may have a cysteine residue. Additionally or alternatively, any of the probes described herein may be modified by the substitution of a methionine residue with a residue resistant to oxidation, such as an alanine residue. Additionally or alternatively, any of the probes described herein may be modified by the substitution of at least three consecutive residues of the reference sequence with alanine residues.

The peptide probe may labeled with two pyrene labels, one on the N-terminal amine and the other on a side chain of a C-terminal lysine residue. The pyrene label may be PBA. The peptide probe may contain a C-terminal amide in place of the carboxyl group.

The peptide probe may be conjugated to a biotin moiety, such as through a peptide linker. The peptide linker may be selected from the group consisting of a flexible linker, a helical linker, a thrombin site linker and a kinked linker. The peptide probe may be conjugated to a biotin moiety through a side chain of an internal lysine residue. Other appropriate peptide linkers are described in the art (see, e.g., <CIT>; <NPL>); and <NPL>). Suitable linkers may be about <NUM>-<NUM> amino acids in length. Greater than about <NUM>% of the amino acid residues of the linker may be selected from serine, glycine, and alanine residues.

For example, biotinylation can be achieved through a helical linker such as EAAAK (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>) at the C-terminus, as illustrated by AD310 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). In general, a helical linker includes residues that form alpha helixes, such as alanine residues. Alternatively, biotinylation can be achieved through a side chain on a lysine residue, including an internal or terminal lysine residue, as illustrated by AD313 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). Alternatively, biotinylation can be achieved through a flexible linker (such as GSSGSSK (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>)) at the C-terminus, as illustrated by AD314 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). In general, a flexible linker includes one or more glycine and/or serine residues, or other residues that can freely rotate about their phi and psi angles. Alternatively, biotinylation can be achieved through a thrombin site linker (such as a linker comprising LVPRGS (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>), such as GLVPRGSGK (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>)) at the at the C-terminus, as illustrated by AD317 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). Alternatively, biotinylation can be achieved through a kinked linker (such as PSGSPK (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>)) at the at the C-terminus, as illustrated by AD321 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). In general, kinked linkers comprise one or more proline residues, or other residues that have fixed phi and psi angles that rigidly project the biotin moiety away from the peptide probe's protein-binding motif.

The probes according to the claimed method comprise an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Preferably, the probes are selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. The probes may be PEP-<NUM>, PEP-<NUM> and PEP-<NUM>. Probes described in <CIT> for targeting Aβ protein, and probes designed in accordance with <CIT>, may be used as described herein.

The probe may consist of two point mutations (e.g., SEQ ID NO:<NUM>; SEQ ID NO:<NUM>); the addition of two d-Arginine residues (r) (e.g., SEQ ID NO:<NUM>; SEQ ID NO:<NUM>; SEQ ID NO:<NUM>; SEQ ID NO:<NUM>); combinations of mutations described herein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:<NUM>; SEQ ID NO:<NUM>); a naturally-occurring "Italian" mutant (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>); or addition of a linker and biotin (e.g., SEQ ID NO:<NUM>).

The one or more amino acid additions, substitutions or deletions may introduce a salt bridge between two residues, such as between a glutamic acid residue and a histidine residue, a glutamic acid residue and an arginine residue, and/or a glutamic acid residue and a lysine residue. Further, the amino acid additions, substitutions, or deletions may introduce an Aβ binding motif into the peptide probe, such as a GXXEG motif (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>).

Exemplary peptide probes designed in accordance with the principles described above are set forth in <FIG>. As shown by shading in the sequences in the figure, most of the peptide sequences are based on amino acids <NUM>-<NUM> of the Aβ peptide, which is a β-sheet forming region of the Aβ peptide (others are based on longer portions of the Aβ peptide), with an added C-terminal lysine residue to facilitate labeling. Other peptide sequences are based on amino acids <NUM>-<NUM> of the Aβ peptide. The category (or categories) of the sequence variants are indicated in the table (e.g., modified to improve stability, provide a salt bridge, increase solubility, facilitate alpha-helix formation, destabilize β-sheet structure, add an Aβ binding motif, etc.). Also illustrated are options for peptide probe labeling, including different label sites and label pairs.

The following abbreviations are used in <FIG>:.

The above features are optional for the peptide probes described herein. Although the probes in <FIG> are depicted as having or not having these features, any of the probes listed in the figure and any of the probes described herein can have or lack one or more of these features.

The probe may alternatively be a peptide mimic ("peptoid") of any of the peptide probes described herein. The probe may be peptide mimic that has a natural peptide backbone but has non-natural amino acids or chemical moieties. The probe may be a peptide mimic that has a non-peptide backbone and comprises a chemical backbone, such as a polymeric backbone. A peptide mimic may exhibit increased stability over the corresponding peptide.

Additional probes may be designed and tested for use in the present methods. Briefly, peptides and peptide mimics may be computationally designed to closely match hydrophobic topology and intramolecular pair contacts to wild type Aβ peptide and/or a probe with the desired characteristics as described above. Algorithms for designing such peptides and peptide mimics are known in the art. See, e.g., <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>. ; <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>; <NPL>.

As noted above, the peptide probes acording to the claimed method comprise a fluorescent labels. The peptide probe may be coupled or fused, either covalently or non-covalently, to a label, with or without a linker. Also as noted above, the label may be detectable independent of the conformation of the probe and/or independent of any conformation shift or association with the Aβ oligomer.

A label is selected to permit direct detection of probe associated with Aβ oligomer. Thus, for example, one or more labels may be detectable by direct detection, such as fluorescent labels, radioactive labels, etc. In some embodiments, the label is FITC. A further label may be pyrene, such as a pyrene excimer. Such association may be current probe association with Aβ oligomer or past probe association with Aβ oligomer. Additional labels are described below.

The peptide probe may be labeled with a detectable label at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, both termini, or at one or more positions (including a side chain) that is detectable independent of the conformation or conformational transition of the probe.

The peptide probe may be labeled with a detectable label at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, both termini, or at one or more positions that generate a signal when the peptide associates with target protein or adopts a β-sheet conformation or undergoes a conformation change upon binding to target protein. Thus, for example, the label sites may be selected from (i) the N-terminus and the C-terminus; (ii) the N-terminus and a separate site other than the C-terminus; (iii) the C-terminus and a separate site other than the N-terminus; and (iv) two sites other than the N-terminus and the C-terminus.

The peptide probe may be labeled with two or more labels, wherein the distance between two or more labels on the peptide probe when the peptide probe is bound to target protein is different than the distance when the peptide probe is not bound to target protein. The peptide probe may be labeled with a detectable label pair selected from an excimer pair, a FRET pair and a fluorophore/quencher pair. When the peptide probe is labeled with an excimer pair, such as a pyrene pair, it may emit an excimer signal when the peptide probe exhibits a β-sheet conformation. When the peptide probe is labeled with a FRET pair, such as DACIA-I/NBD, Marina Blue/NBD, Dansyl/Trp, and EDANS/FAM, it may emit a fluorescence resonance transfer (FRET) signal when the peptide probe exhibits a β-sheet conformation. When the peptide probe is labeled with a fluorophore/quencher pair, such as pyrene/Dabcyl, EDANS/Dabcyl and FAM/Dabcyl, the fluorophore signal may be quenched when the peptide probe exhibits a β-sheet conformation.

The labels and label sites may be selected such that the labels do or do not interact based on the conformation of the probe, for example, such that the labels do not interact when the probe is in its unassociated conformation and do interact when the probe undergoes a conformation shift upon association with target protein, to generate a detectable signal (including quenching), or vice versa. This may be accomplished by selecting label sites that are further apart or closer together depending on the associated state of the probe, e.g., depending on whether the probe has undergone a conformation shift upon association with target protein. The magnitude of the fluorescent signal associated with the associated probe is directly correlated to the amount of target protein detected. Thus, the methods of the present invention permit detection and quantification of target protein.

For example, excimer, FRET or fluorophore/quencher label pairs may be used to permit detection of a specific conformation of the probe, such as the conformation adopted when the probe associates with Aβ protein aggregates associated with amyloidogenic disease. The probe may be labeled at separate sites with a first label and a second label, each being complementary members of an excimer, FRET or fluorophore/quencher pair.

For example, excimer-forming labels may emit their monomeric signals when the probe is in its unassociated state, and may emit their excimer signal when the probe undergoes a conformation shift that brings the labels in closer physical proximity, upon association with the target protein. Similarly, FRET labels may emit their FRET signal when the probe undergoes a conformation shift that brings the labels in closer physical proximity. On the other hand, fluorophore/quencher label pairs may emit the fluorophore signal when the probe is in its unassociated state, and that signal may be quenched when the probe undergoes a conformation shift that brings the labels in closer physical proximity. As noted above, the labels may be sited such that the opposite change in signal occurs when the probe undergoes a conformation shift upon association with the target protein.

A detectable label may be conjugated to a side chain of a terminal lysine residue of the peptide probe, and/or to a side chain of an internal lysine residue of the peptide probe.

The detectable label may be attached to the probe by a linker. The peptide linker may be selected from the group consisting of a flexible linker, a helical linker, a thrombin site linker and a kinked linker. The linker may be an aminohexyl linker. The peptide probe may be conjugated to a linking through a side chain of an internal lysine residue. Other appropriate peptide linkers are described in the art (see, e.g., <CIT>; <NPL>); and <NPL>)). Suitable linkers may be about <NUM>-<NUM> amino acids in length. Greater than about <NUM>% of the amino acid residues of the linker may be selected from serine, glycine, and alanine residues.

Any of the probes described herein may include a dipyrene butyrate (PBA) moiety at the N-terminus and/or one extending from a lysine side chain near the C-terminus, and/or at any other site suitable for labeling. Additionally or alternatively, any of the probes described herein may have been modified to include an amide group at the C-terminus, in place of the naturally occurring carboxyl group.

Moreover, while the use of two labels per peptide probe has been described, it should be understood that multiple labels could be used. For example, one or more labels could be present at each labeling site, or multiple labels could be present, each at different labeling sites on the probe. The labels may generate independent signals.

Exemplary labels include fluorescent agents (e.g., fluorophores, fluorescent proteins, fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals), phosphorescent agents, chemiluminescent agents, chromogenic agents, quenching agents, dyes, radionuclides, metal ions, metal sols, ligands (e.g., biotin, streptavidin haptens, and the like), enzymes (e.g., beta-galactosidase, horseradish peroxidase, glucose oxidase, alkaline phosphatase, and the like), enzyme substrates, enzyme cofactors (e.g., NADPH), enzyme inhibitors, scintillation agents, inhibitors, magnetic particles, oligonucleotides, and other moieties known in the art.

The fluorophore label may be indocyanine green (ICG), Cypate, Cy3, Cy5, Cy7 or FITC. These and other directly detectable labels are useful where the peptide probe may not undergo a conformational shift or transformation when associated with Aβ oligomer. Directly detectable labels may be detected using fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting of fluorescence spectroscopy.

Other known labels include a pyrene moiety. A pyrene moiety may include pyrene, which comprises four fused benzene rings or a derivative of pyrene. By pyrene derivative is meant a molecule comprising the four fused benzene rings of pyrene, wherein one or more of the pyrene carbon atoms is substituted or conjugated to a further moiety. Exemplary pyrene derivatives include alkylated pyrenes, wherein one or more of the pyrene carbon atoms is substituted with a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or acyl group, such as a C<NUM>-C<NUM>, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or acyl group, where the group may be substituted with, for example, a moiety including an O, N or S atom (e.g., carbonyl, amine, sulfhydryl) or with a halogen. The pyrene derivative may include one or more free carboxyl groups and/or one or more free amine groups, each of which may be directly attached to a pyrene carbon atom or attached to any position on a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or acyl group as described above, such as being attached at a carbon atom that is separated from a pyrene carbon by <NUM> or more, such as <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or more, atoms. The pyrene can be substituted with one or more acetic acid moieties and/or one or more ethylamine moieties. The pyrene derivative can be substituted with a single methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group. The pyrene can be substituted with a short chain fatty acid, such as pyrene butyrate. The pyrene can be conjugated to albumin, transferring or an Fc fragment of an antibody. The substituent can be attached to pyrene through a carbon-carbon linkage, amino group, peptide bond, ether, thioether, disulfide, or an ester linkage. The pyrene derivative can be PEGylated pyrene, i.e., pyrene conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG). Such pyrene derivatives may exhibit a longer circulating half-life in vivo. The pyrene derivative can be pyrene conjugated to albumin.

The label may comprise a fluorescent protein which is incorporated into a peptide probe as part of a fusion protein. Fluorescent proteins may include green fluorescent proteins (e.g., GFP, eGFP, AcGFP, TurboGFP, Emerald, Azami Green, and ZsGreen), blue fluorescent proteins (e.g., EBFP, Sapphire, and T-Sapphire), cyan fluorescent proteins (e.g., ECFP, mCFP, Cerulean, CyPet, AmCyan1, and Midoriishi Cyan), yellow fluorescent proteins (e.g., EYFP, Topaz, Venus, mCitrine, YPet, PhiYFP, ZsYellow1, and mBanana), and orange and red fluorescent proteins (e.g., Kusabira Orange, mOrange, dTomato, dTomato-Tandem, DsRed, DsRed2, DsRed-Express (T1), DsREd-Monomer, mTangerine, mStrawberry, AsRed2, mRFP1, JRed, mCherry, HcRed1, mRaspberry, HcRed-Tandem, mPlum and AQ143). Other fluorescent proteins are described in the art (<NPL>); and <NPL>)). These and other directly detectable labels are useful where the peptide probe may not undergo a conformational shift or transformation when associated with Aβ oligomer.

The fluorescent protein as part of a fusion protein may be coupled via a peptide linker as described in the art (<CIT>; <NPL>); and <NPL>)). Suitable linkers may be about <NUM>-<NUM> amino acids in length. Greater than about <NUM>% of the amino acid residues of the linker may be selected from serine, glycine, and alanine residues.

As used herein, a "fluorophore" is a chemical group that may be excited by light to emit fluorescence or phosphorescence. A "quencher" is an agent that is capable of quenching a fluorescent signal from a fluorescent donor. A first fluorophore may emit a fluorescent signal that excites a second fluorophore. A first fluorophore may emit a signal that is quenched by a second fluorophore. The probes disclosed herein may undergo fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).

Fluorophores and quenchers may include the following agents (or fluorophores and quenchers sold under the following tradenames): <NUM>,<NUM> IAEDANS; <NUM>,<NUM>-ANS; umbelliferone (e.g., <NUM>-Methylumbelliferone); acradimum esters, <NUM>-carboxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-dichlorofluorescein; <NUM>-Carboxyfluorescein (<NUM>-FAM); <NUM>-Carboxytetramethylrhodamine (<NUM>-TAMRA) ; <NUM>-FAM (<NUM>-Carboxyfluorescein); <NUM>-HAT (Hydroxy Tryptamine) ; <NUM>-Hydroxy Tryptamine (HAT); <NUM>-ROX (carboxy-X-rhodamine); <NUM>-TAMRA (<NUM>-Carboxytetramethylrhodamine); <NUM>-Carboxyrhodamine <NUM>; <NUM>-CR <NUM>; <NUM>-JOE; <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-methylcoumarin; <NUM>-Aminoactinomycin D (<NUM>-AAD); <NUM>-Hydroxy-<NUM>-methylcoumarin; <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methoxyacridine; ABQ; Acid Fuchsin; ACMA (<NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methoxyacridine); Acridine Orange; Acridine Red; Acridine Yellow; Acriflavin; Acriflavin Feulgen SITSA; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alexa Fluor <NUM>™; Alizarin Complexon; Alizarin Red; Allophycocyanin (APC); AMC; AMCA-S; AMCA (Aminomethylcoumarin); AMCA-X; Aminoactinomycin D; Aminocoumarin; Aminomethylcoumarin (AMCA); Anilin Blue; Anthrocyl stearate; APC (Allophycocyanin); APC-Cy7; APTS; Astrazon Brilliant Red <NUM>; Astrazon Orange R; Astrazon Red 6B; Astrazon Yellow <NUM> GLL ; Atabrine; ATTO-TAG™ CBQCA; ATTO-TAG™ FQ; Auramine; Aurophosphine G; Aurophosphine; BAO <NUM> (Bisaminophenyloxadiazole); Berberine Sulphate; Beta Lactamase; BFP blue shifted GFP (Y66H); Blue Fluorescent Protein; BFP/GFP FRET; Bimane; Bisbenzamide; Bisbenzimide (Hoechst); Blancophor FFG; Blancophor SV; BOBO™ -<NUM>; BOBO™ -<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>-X; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>-X; Bodipy <NUM>/<NUM>; Bodipy FL; Bodipy FL ATP; Bodipy Fl-Ceramide; Bodipy R6G SE; Bodipy TMR; Bodipy TMR-X conjugate ; Bodipy TMR-X, SE; Bodipy TR; Bodipy TR ATP; Bodipy TR-X SE; BO-PRO™-<NUM>; BO-PRO™-<NUM>; Brilliant Sulphoflavin FF; Calcein; Calcein Blue ; Calcium Crimson™; Calcium Green; Calcium Orange; Calcofluor White; Carboxy-X-rhodamine (<NUM>-ROX); Cascade Blue™; Cascade Yellow; Catecholamine; CCF2 (GeneBlazer); CFDA; CFP - Cyan Fluorescent Protein; CFP/YFP FRET; Chlorophyll; Chromomycin A; CL-NERF (Ratio Dye, pH); CMFDA; Coelenterazine f; Coelenterazine fcp; Coelenterazine h; Coelenterazine hcp; Coelenterazine ip; Coelenterazine n; Coelenterazine O; Coumarin Phalloidin; C-phycocyanine; CPM Methylcoumarin; CTC; CTC Formazan; Cy2™; Cy3. <NUM><NUM>; Cy3. <NUM>™; Cy3™; Cy5. <NUM><NUM> ; Cy5. <NUM>™; Cy5™; Cy7™; Cyan GFP; Cypate; cyclic AMP Fluorosensor (FiCRhR); Dabcyl; Dansyl; Dansyl Amine; Dansyl Cadaverine; Dansyl Chloride; Dansyl DHPE; Dansyl fluoride; DAPI; Dapoxyl; Dapoxyl <NUM>; Dapoxyl <NUM>; DCFDA; DCFH (Dichlorodihydrofluorescein Diacetate); DDAO; DHR (Dihydorhodamine <NUM>); Di-<NUM>-ANEPPS; Di-<NUM>-ANEPPS (non-ratio); DiA (<NUM>-Di-<NUM>-ASP); Dichlorodihydrofluorescein Diacetate (DCFH); DiD - Lipophilic Tracer; DiD (DiIC18(<NUM>)); DIDS ; Dihydorhodamine <NUM> (DHR); DiI (DiIC18(<NUM>)); Dinitrophenol; DiO (DiOC18(<NUM>)); DiR; DiR (DiIC18(<NUM>)); DNP; Dopamine; DsRed; DTAF; DY-<NUM>-NHS; DY-<NUM>-NHS; EBFP; ECFP; EGFP; ELF <NUM>; EDANS; Eosin; Erythrosin; Erythrosin ITC ; Ethidium Bromide; Ethidium homodimer -<NUM> (EthD-<NUM>); Euchrysin; EukoLight; Europium (III) chloride; EYFP; Fast Blue; FDA; Feulgen (Pararosaniline); FITC; Flazo Orange; Fluo-<NUM>; Fluo-<NUM>; Fluorescein (FITC); Fluorescein Diacetate; Fluoro-Emerald; Fluoro-Gold (Hydroxystilbamidine); Fluor-Ruby; FluorX; FM <NUM>-<NUM>™; FM <NUM>-<NUM>; Fura Red™; Fura Red™/Fluo-<NUM>; Fura-<NUM>; Fura-<NUM>/BCECF; Genacryl Brilliant Red B; Genacryl Brilliant Yellow 10GF; Genacryl Pink <NUM>; Genacryl Yellow 5GF; GeneBlazer (CCF2); a fluorescent protein (e.g., GFP (S65T); GFP red shifted (rsGFP); GFP wild type, non-UV excitation (wtGFP); GFP wild type, UV excitation (wtGFP); and GFPuv); Gloxalic Acid ; Granular Blue; Haematoporphyrin; Hoechst <NUM>; Hoechst <NUM>; Hoechst <NUM>; HPTS; Hydroxycoumarin; Hydroxystilbamidine (FluoroGold); Hydroxytryptamine; Indo-<NUM>; Indodicarbocyanine (DiD); Indocyanine Green (ICG); Indotricarbocyanine (DiR); Intrawhite Cf; JC-<NUM>; JO-JO-<NUM>; JO-PRO-<NUM>; Laurodan; LDS <NUM> (DNA); LDS <NUM> (RNA); Leucophor PAF; Leucophor SF; Leucophor WS; Lissamine Rhodamine; Lissamine Rhodamine B ; Calcein/Ethidium homodimer; LOLO-<NUM>; LO-PRO-<NUM>; Lucifer Yellow; luminol, Lyso Tracker Blue; Lyso Tracker Blue-White; Lyso Tracker Green; Lyso Tracker Red; Lyso Tracker Yellow; LysoSensor Blue; LysoSensor Green; LysoSensor Yellow/Blue; Mag Green; Magdala Red (Phloxin B); Mag-Fura Red; Mag-Fura-<NUM>; Mag-Fura-<NUM>; Mag-Indo-<NUM>; Magnesium Green; Magnesium Orange; Malachite Green; Marina Blue; Maxilon Brilliant Flavin <NUM> GFF; Maxilon Brilliant Flavin <NUM> GFF; Merocyanin; Methoxycoumarin; Mitotracker Green FM; Mitotracker Orange; Mitotracker Red; Mitramycin ; Monobromobimane; Monobromobimane (mBBr-GSH); Monochlorobimane; MPS (Methyl Green Pyronine Stilbene); NBD; NBD Amine; Nile Red; NED™; Nitrobenzoxadidole; Noradrenaline; Nuclear Fast Red; Nuclear Yellow; Nylosan Brilliant Iavin E8G; Oregon Green; Oregon Green <NUM>-X; Oregon Green™; Oregon Green™ <NUM>; Oregon Green™ <NUM>; Oregon Green™ <NUM>; Pacific Blue; Pararosaniline (Feulgen); PBFI; PE-Cy5; PE-Cy7; PerCP; PerCP-Cy5. <NUM>; PE-TexasRed [Red <NUM>]; Phloxin B (Magdala Red); Phorwite AR; Phorwite BKL; Phorwite Rev; Phorwite RPA; Phosphine 3R; Phycoerythrin B [PE]; Phycoerythrin R [PE]; PKH26 (Sigma); PKH67; PMIA; Pontochrome Blue Black; POPO-<NUM>; POPO-<NUM>; PO-PRO-<NUM>; PO-PRO-<NUM>; Primuline; Procion Yellow; Propidium Iodid (PI); PyMPO; Pyrene; Pyronine; Pyronine B; Pyrozal Brilliant Flavin 7GF; QSY <NUM>; Quinacrine Mustard; Red <NUM> [PE-TexasRed]; Resorufin; RH <NUM>; Rhod-<NUM>; Rhodamine; Rhodamine <NUM> ; Rhodamine <NUM>; Rhodamine <NUM> GLD; Rhodamine <NUM>; Rhodamine B; Rhodamine B <NUM>; Rhodamine B extra; Rhodamine BB; Rhodamine BG; Rhodamine Green; Rhodamine Phallicidine; Rhodamine Phalloidine; Rhodamine Red; Rhodamine WT ; Rose Bengal; R-phycocyanine; R-phycoerythrin (PE); RsGFP; S65A; S65C; S65L; S65T; Sapphire GFP; SBFI; Serotonin; Sevron Brilliant Red 2B; Sevron Brilliant Red <NUM>; Sevron Brilliant Red B; Sevron Orange; Sevron Yellow L; sgBFP™; sgBFP™ (super glow BFP); sgGFP™; sgGFP™ (super glow GFP); SITS; SITS (Primuline); SITS (Stilbene Isothiosulphonic Acid); SNAFL calcein; SNAFL-<NUM>; SNAFL-<NUM>; SNARF calcein; SNARF1; Sodium Green; SpectrumAqua; SpectrumGreen; SpectrumOrange; Spectrum Red; SPQ (<NUM>-methoxy-N-(<NUM>-sulfopropyl)quinolinium); Stilbene; Sulphorhodamine B can C; Sulphorhodamine G Extra; SYTO <NUM> ; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTO <NUM>; SYTOX Blue; SYTOX Green; SYTOX Orange; TET™; Tetracycline; Tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC); Texas Red™; Texas Red-X™ conjugate; Thiadicarbocyanine (DiSC3); Thiazine Red R; Thiazole Orange; Thioflavin <NUM>; Thioflavin S; Thioflavin TCN; Thiolyte; Thiozole Orange; Tinopol CBS (Calcofluor White); TMR; TO-PRO-<NUM>; TO-PRO-<NUM>; TO-PRO-<NUM>; TOTO-<NUM>; TOTO-<NUM>; TriColor (PE-Cy5); TRITC TetramethylRodamineIsoThioCyanate; True Blue; TruRed; Ultralite; Uranine B; Uvitex SFC; VIC®; wt GFP; WW <NUM>; X-Rhodamine; XRITC; Xylene Orange; Y66F; Y66H; Y66W; Yellow GFP; YFP; YO-PRO-<NUM>; YO-PRO-<NUM>; YOYO-<NUM>; YOYO-<NUM>; and salts thereof.

Kits may comprise the peptide probes, synthetic Aβ oligomers, and/or labels described herein. The kits may be prepared for practicing the methods described herein. Typically, the kits include at least one component or a packaged combination of components useful for practicing a method. By "packaged combination" it is meant that the kits provide a single package that contains a combination of one or more components, such as probes, buffers, instructions for use, and the like. A kit containing a single container is included within the definition of "packaged combination. " The kits may include some or all of the components necessary to practice a method disclosed herein. Typically, the kits include at least one probe in at least one container. The kits may include multiple probes which may be the same or different, such as probes comprising different sequences and/or different labels, in one or more containers. Multiple probes may be present in a single container or in separate containers, each containing a single probe.

A first sample containing whole blood is obtained from a subject by venipuncture and collected in EDTA tubes. Peptide probe labeled with FITC (PEP-<NUM>) stored in organic solvent is brought to room temperature. The organic solvent is then removed by rotovaporation or air evaporation. The first sample is then diluted in HEPES-buffered saline and subsequently combined with the peptide probe solution. The resulting combination is stored in the dark at room temperature for up to an hour, in order to allow the labeled peptide probe to bind to (e.g., associate with and/or form a complex with) any Aβ oligomer associated with cells present in the first test sample.

A second sample containing whole blood is obtained in the same manner as described above. The second sample is then diluted in HEPES-buffered saline and subsequently combined with synthetic Aβ oligomer, allowing the synthetic Aβ oligomer to bind to cells (e.g., associate with and/or form a complex with) present in the second sample or any Aβ oligomer associated with the cells. Peptide probe labeled with FITC (PEP-<NUM>) stored in organic solvent is brought to room temperature and diluted with saline. The organic solvent is then removed by rotovaporation or air evaporation. The peptide probe is then combined with the second sample containing whole blood and synthetic Aβ oligomer. The combination is stored in the dark at room temperature, allowing the labeled peptide probe to bind to (e.g., associate with and/or form a complex with) any Aβ oligomer and synthetic Aβ oligomer associated with cells.

After storage, the first and second samples are subjected to a FACScan flow cytometer in TruCount Tubes to isolate erythrocytes in the test samples. The erythrocytes in the test samples are gated in logarithmic forward/side scatter dot plots, and the fluorescence of the FITC labels are detected by appropriate bandpass filters.

First and second samples are obtained from a normal subject (i.e., does not have Alzheimer's Disease) and a subject with Alzheimer's Disease. The samples are processed and analyzed in accordance with the procedure in EXAMPLE <NUM>.

<FIG> is a depiction of the first sample from each subject (i) before labeled peptide probe is added to the samples (left column); and (ii) after the labeled peptide probe is added to the samples (right column). As seen in the left column, endogenous Aβ oligomer is associated with erythrocytes to a greater degree in subjects with Alzheimer's disease. As seen in the right column, labeled peptide probe associates with (e.g., forms a complex with) Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes, permitting detection and quantification of endogenous Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes (e.g., by detection of peptide probe- Aβ oligomer-erythrocyte complexes).

<FIG> shows FITC signals from the first samples (endogenous Aβ oligomer only) probed with PEP-<NUM> peptide probe (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). Complexes comprising labeled peptide probe-endogenous Aβ oligomer-erythrocytes are detected. The signal (fluorescence intensity) corresponding to the subject with Alzheimer's Disease is great than that corresponding to the normal subject, reflecting the greater amount of Aβ oligomer present in the sample from the subject with Alzheimer's Disease.

<FIG> is a depiction of the second sample from each subject (i) before synthetic Aβ oligomer or labeled peptide probe is added to the samples (left column); (ii) after the synthetic Aβ oligomer is added to the samples (middle column) and (iii) after the PEP-<NUM> peptide probe is added to the samples (right column). As with <FIG>, as seen in the left column, endogenous Aβ oligomer is associated with erythrocytes to a greater degree in subjects with Alzheimer's disease. As seen in the middle column, synthetic Aβ oligomers associate with erythrocytes to a greater degree in the sample obtained from the normal subject as compared to the sample from the subject with Alzheimer's Disease. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that erythrocytes in subjects with Alzheimer's Disease already are associated with endogenous Aβ oligomer and thus have less capacity for association with synthetic Aβ oligomer. As seen in the right column, labeled peptide probe associates with endogenous and synthetic Aβ oligomers.

<FIG> shows FITC signals from the second samples after the synthetic Aβ oligomer and labeled peptide probe are added to the samples. Complexes comprising labeled peptide probe-endogenous Aβ oligomer-erythrocytes and complexes comprising labeled peptide probe-synthetic Aβ oligomer- erythrocytes are detected. Comparing the figure to <FIG>, the signal for the subject with Alzheimer's Disease is roughly the same as in <FIG>, indicating that the amount of Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes is about the same before and after from the addition of synthetic Aβ oligomer. In contrast, the signal for the normal subject is significantly shifted to the right (e.g., a greater signal) in <FIG>, indicating that the amount of Aβ oligomer associated with erythrocytes is greater after the addition of synthetic Aβ oligomer.

<FIG> overlays the signals from <FIG> and <FIG> for the normal and AD subjects, and highlights the signal shift or "delta" (binding capacity) between the signal obtained with and without synthetic Aβ oligomer in the normal subject. It is believed that this signal shift is inversely correlated with the endogenous Aβ oligomer load of the erythrocytes, and thus the Aβ oligomer load of the subject, with a greater signal shift being correlated a low Aβ oligomer load and thus normal (non-AD) disease state, and a small signal shift being associated with a higher Aβ oligomer load and thus a higher risk of disease or more advanced disease state.

These data illustrate how the methods of EXAMPLE <NUM> and <NUM> can be used to distinguish between a normal subject and a subject with Alzheimer's Disease. Furthermore, this assay format could be used to provide a baseline Aβ oligomer load status of a normal subject that could be monitored over time for the risk or development of disease. Likewise, this assay format could be used to provide a baseline Aβ oligomer load status of an AD subject that could be monitored over time for the progression of disease and/or success of therapeutic treatments.

A sample of whole blood was obtained from another normal subject and processed as indicated in EXAMPLE <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the delta shift (binding capacity) between the signal of the first (no synthetic Aβ oligomer) and second (synthetic Aβ oligomer) samples.

A first sample containing platelet rich plasma (PRP) is obtained by separating whole blood or from a frozen sample of previously separated whole blood. The first sample is verified to contain PRP by flow cytometry (e.g., by detecting CD-<NUM> as a surface marker). Peptide probe labeled with FITC (PEP-<NUM>) stored in organic solvent is brought to room temperature. The organic solvent is removed by rotovaporation or air evaporation. The first sample is diluted in HEPES-buffered saline and subsequently combined with the peptide probe solution. The resulting combination is stored in the dark at room temperature for up to an hour, in order to allow the labeled peptide probe to bind to any Aβ oligomer associated with platelets present in the first sample.

A second sample containing PRP is obtained in the same manner as described above. The second sample is diluted in HEPES-buffered saline and subsequently combined with synthetic Aβ oligomer, and the synthetic Aβ oligomer is allowed to bind to any Aβ oligomer associated with platelets present in the second sample. Peptide probe labeled with FITC (PEP-<NUM>) stored in organic solvent is brought to room temperature. The organic solvent is removed by rotovaporation or air evaporation. The peptide probe is combined with the second sample and the resulting combination is stored in the dark at room temperature, allowing the labeled peptide probe to bind to any Aβ oligomer (endogenous and synthetic) associated with platelets present in the samples.

The first and second samples are subjected to a FACScan flow cytometer in TruCount Tubes to isolate platelets in the test samples. The platelets in the test samples are gated in logarithmic forward/side scatter dot plots, and the fluorescence of the FITC labels are detected by appropriate bandpass filters. In the first sample, complexes comprising labeled peptide probe-endogenous Aβ oligomer-platelets will be detected, while in the second sample complexes comprising labeled peptide probe-endogenous Aβ oligomer-platelets and complexes comprising labeled peptide probe-synthetic Aβ oligomer-platelets will be detected.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is obtained from a subject by either lumbar puncture or from a previously separated frozen sample (clinical collection). Peptide probe labeled with FITC (PEP-<NUM>) stored in organic solvent is brought to room temperature. The organic solvent is removed by rotovaporation or air evaporation. The CSF is diluted in HEPES-buffered saline and combined with the peptide probe solution. The resulting combination is stored in the dark at room temperature for up to an hour, in order to allow the labeled peptide probe to bind to any Aβ oligomer present in the first test sample.

The sample is subjected to a FACScan flow cytometer in TruCount Tubes. Any Aβ oligomer in the test sample is gated in logarithmic forward/side scatter dot plots, and the fluorescence of the FITC labels are detected by appropriate bandpass filters. Complexes comprising labeled peptide probe and Aβ oligomer are detected.

<FIG> depicts different formats for a PLISA as described herein. PLISA (A) depicts a sandwich format in which a target oligomer, such as an Aβ oligomer (SDS Oligo), binds to both surface-bound peptide probe (peptide) and peptide probe tagged with a label (Tag). The complex is detected using a labeled antibody (Anti-TagAb-label). PLISA (B) depicts a sandwich format in which the peptide probe tagged with a label is replaced by a labeled antibody (Ab-label) specific to the Aβ oligomer. PLISA (C) depicts a sandwich format in which the surface-bound peptide probe is replaced with an antibody specific to the Aβ oligomer (Ab-6E10). PLISA (D) depicts a competitive format in which Aβ oligomer in a biological sample competes with surface-bound Aβ oligomer for a labeled peptide probe. Each of PLISA (A)-(D) can use a solid-phase format (shown here as a bead, in which the bead is passed through an apparatus for detecting the labels).

Different concentrations of Aβ oligomer in solution are subjected to both PLISA and ELISA to determine the sensitivity of each assay, as measured by dose response curves. For the PLISA assay, the peptide probe used is AD317 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). For the ELSIA, the antibody used is Aβ antibody 6E10 labeled with horse radish peroxidase. As shown in <FIG>, the PLISA is a more sensitive assay for detecting Aβ oligomer than the ELISA.

Three different concentrations (nN) of Aβ oligomer, Aβ monomer, and Aβ fiber in solution were subjected to both PLISA and ELISA, either in buffer or <NUM>% CSF, to determine the selectivity of each assay for Aβ oligomer as compared to the other Aβ forms. Tables <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> depict the results in buffer and <NUM>% CSF, respectively, presented as a percent ratio of (monomer or fiber)/oligomer signal for the different oligomer concentrations. The data presented in both tables demonstrate a greater selectively of PLISA for Aβ oligomer over both Aβ monomer and Aβ fiber, as compared to ELISA.

Different aggregate forms of Aβ protein (monomer, oligomer, and fiber) are subjected to PLISA using different PEP-<NUM> peptide probe (Pep11-a, Pep11-b and Pep11-ds) and a control sample without PEP-<NUM> peptide probe. Both Pep11-a and Pep11-b consist of SEQ ID NO:<NUM>, at a purity of <NUM>% (standard) and <NUM>% (high), respectively, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (<NUM>, C18, linear gradient). PEP-11ds is also represented by SEQ ID NO:<NUM>, but has a disulfide bridge at the two cysteines. High performance liquid chromatography (<NUM>, C18, linear gradient) determined the purity of PEP-11ds to be <NUM>%.

<FIG> demonstrates that all of the PEP-<NUM> peptides detect Aβ oligomer in a dose-dependent manner, and exhibit preferential binding to Aβ oligomer as compared to Aβ monomer or fiber. These results demonstrate that the PEP-<NUM> peptide probe preferentially binds to Aβ oligomer and can distinguish Aβ oligomer from other types of Aβ protein aggregates.

Samples of CSF from a normal human subject are spiked with different concentrations of synthetic Aβ oligomer, and subjected to fluorescence detection assay using peptide probe AD315 (SEQ ID NO:<NUM>). The detection is performed in an assay with the following conditions: <NUM> HEPES buffer at pH <NUM>; <NUM>% NP-<NUM>; <NUM>% normal human cerebrospinal fluid; <NUM> pyrenated peptide; and <NUM> incubation.

<FIG> depicts the results, which show a linear, dose-dependent curve. The results demonstrate that the assay can be used to detect Aβ oligomer in cerebrospinal fluid.

An assay is performed to analyze peptide probe binding to Aβ42 oligomer. The peptide probe is the same as the probe in EXAMPLE <NUM>. Five samples are analyzed: (<NUM>) Aβ42 biotinylated oligomer as a positive control; (<NUM>) Aβ42 biotinylated oligomer bound to a bead via streptavidin; (<NUM>) peptide positive control; (<NUM>) peptide probe bound to Aβ42 biotinylated oligomer bound to a bead via streptavidin; and (<NUM>) peptide probe bound to a bead via streptavidin. Detection was by gel electrophoresis. Results are shown in <FIG>. As column <NUM> indicates by the presence of streptavidin, peptide probe can be used to detect Aβ42 oligomer.

<FIG> also shows a graph of fluorescent anisotropy (milli-r) as a function of Aβ42 oligomer concentration (nN). The peptide probe used to produce this data is the same as the peptide probe for the gel electrophoresis data above. Anisotropy decreases as oligomer concentration increases.

The results of the assay, as presented by <FIG>, show that the peptide probes demonstrate specificity and sensitivity for the oligomeric form of Aβ protein.

Samples of human CSF from (<NUM>) subjects likely having Alzheimer's Disease (AD) (<NUM> samples); (<NUM>) subjects having Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (<NUM> samples); and (<NUM>) normal subjects (i.e., not having AD or MCI) (<NUM> samples) are subjected to an assay using pyrenated peptide. The purpose of the assay is to determine whether pyrenated peptide can accurately distinguish CSF samples based on the clinical condition of the subjects. The results of the assay are compared against results of commercially available ELISA kits that detect Aβ42 oligomer, total tau and phosphorylated-tau.

Claim 1:
A method of detecting Aβ oligomers in a biological sample that has been obtained from a subject, comprising:
preparing a test sample comprising the biological sample that has been obtained from a subject and a peptide probe,
wherein the peptide probe consists of from <NUM> to <NUM> amino acid residues and comprises an amino acid sequence selected from any one of SEQ ID NOs: <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, wherein the peptide probe preferentially binds to Aβ oligomers and is labeled with a fluorescent label capable of emitting a fluorescent signal, wherein the peptide probe forms complexes with any Aβ oligomer present in the biological sample;
subjecting the test sample to flow cytometry to detect the fluorescent signal of the complexes;
wherein the fluorescent signal of the complexes is directly correlated with the presence and amount of Aβ oligomers in the biological sample.