While clinical research studies focus on observational and epidemiological data that provide hints about risk factors and potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease, laboratory studies concentrate on discovering underlying mechanisms of the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The ADRC supports laboratory science projects investigating various aspects of complex cellular changes that lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Photo courtesy of Dara Dickstein, PhD.

This is a plaque labeled with a linear chemoluminescent oligothiophene compound (FTAA). The compound binds to specific parts of beta-pleated sheat-containing molecules like amyloid or tau and depending on the conformation of these proteins fluoresces differently. Here the amyloid core appears greenish and tha corona of fibrils, richer in tau protein emits in the red part of the spectrum.