Ocular detection of amyloid proteins

Abstract

Described are methods for the detection, in the eye of an individual, of protein aggregates or other misfolded proteins associated with disease using peptide or peptide mimic probes that preferentially associate with the protein aggregates or misfolded proteins, which can be accomplished non-invasively.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method for detecting in the eye of an individual, drusen associated with age related macular degeneration comprising:
 (A) administering to the individual a peptide, peptoid or peptide mimic probe, wherein said probe preferentially associates with said drusen and   (B) detecting any probe associated with any drusen present in the eye.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe is labeled with a detectable label. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe is labeled at separate sites with a first detectable label and a second detectable label, and wherein said labels generate a signal when said probe associates with said drusen. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said first and second labels comprise pyrene. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe is a peptide probe that consists of from 10 to 50 amino acid residues. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe has an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:1-56 and 62. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe has an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:2, 22, 23, 41, 56 and 62. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe has the amino acid sequence of SE ID NO: 56. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe has the amino acid sequence of SE ID NO: 62. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said probe is a peptide mimic. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said administering is effected by systemic injection, direct injection, contacting the probe with the conjunctiva or cornea of the eye, intranasal administration or inhalation administration. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said detecting is effected using a retinal imaging device, a fundus camera, a slit-lamp operated with a fluoroscopic device, or by direct inspection using regular or laser light. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said subject is suffering from or at risk of developing adult macular degeneration. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the adult macular degeneration is a wet or dry variant.