Single particle mass photometry provides size distributions of tau oligomers in CSF samples revealing strong differences between samples from Alzheimer’s patients and healthy controls

Background Tau oligomers are considered toxic species in neurodegenerative disorders and their abundance correlate well with the disease onset pathology. Assays used for detection of these tau oligomer fail to detect low levels differentiate between various oligomers. This limitation reduces potential early diagnosis possible intervention. A label-free approach that can biomarkers at concentrations while also revealing size distribution will be ideal. Method Here, we use a combination oligomer-specific immunoprecipitation from human CSF samples single-molecule mass analysis based on so-called photometry determine thousands individual oligomeric solution manner. Result Single-oligomer makes it number monomers particles patients control subjects. The method reveals dramatic difference Alzheimer’s compared In particular, AD contain significant fraction trimeric oligomers, which completely absent samples. Conclusion Single-particle protein enables discrimination those age-matched Furthermore, single-particle help shed light toxicity species.