D-103
Two Novel Tetracycline-Based Strategies for the Sensitive Detection of α-Synuclein Aggregates
Silvana Estefanía Soliz Santander1, Ma. Belén Machin1, Agustín Pernicone2, Florencia González-Lizarraga1, Verónica Manzano2, César Ávila1, Oscar Varela2, Rosana Chehín1, Esteban Vera Pingitore1
  1. IMMCA (CONICET-UNT-SIPROSA). Pje Dorrego 1080. San miguel de Tucumán. Tucumán
  2. CIHIDECAR (CONICET-UBA). Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, Buenos Aires.
Presenting Author:
Silvana Estefanía Soliz Santander
tefi.9625@gmail.com
During the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), aggregated α-synuclein (aSyn) species appear early, making them crucial biomarkers for early diagnosis. However, their detection remains challenging. Building on our previous research showing that certain tetracycline derivatives selectively bind to aggregated aSyn but not to its monomeric form, we evaluated two modified doxycycline derivatives using an immunoassay and developing a biosensor. The immunoassay successfully distinguished between aggregated and monomeric aSyn in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline), and we further tested it in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to assess potential interferents. We identified NaHCO₃ as the main interferent and evaluated strategies to mitigate its effect, such as dialysis and pH adjustment, which restored the signal attenuated by the interferent in CSF samples spiked with aggregated aSyn. In the biosensor approach, a thiolated doxycycline derivative was used to form a monolayer on the gold electrode and characterized by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). We evaluated its binding to aggregated aSyn at increasing concentrations by measuring changes in the oxidation peak with CV. Both approaches enable sensitive detection of aggregated aSyn, providing cost-effective and scalable alternatives for PD diagnostics. These strategies hold promise for clinical translation, including point-of-care applications that could support earlier diagnosis and intervention.