Targeting Gliomas with Beta-Amyloid-Specific Dyes: A Novel Approach for In Vivo Staining and Potential Therapeutic Applications

Gliomas, the most common primary brain tumors, present significant diagnostic and treatment challenges due to their infiltrative nature and heterogeneity. Our previous research revealed that glioma tumors in both animals and humans accumulate beta-amyloid protein (Aβ), detectable through immunohistochemical methods or staining with amyloid-specific dyes. We hypothesize that beta-amyloid-specific dyes could serve as glioma markers, potentially enabling the delineation of glioma tumors or targeted therapeutics delivery. In this study, the specificity and blood-brain barrier permeability of two fluorescent beta-amyloid-specific dyes, Brilliant Blue G (BBG) and BODIPY-based Amyloid Probe-1 (BAP-1), were evaluated in C57Bl/6 mouse glioma implantation models using GL261 and KR158 glioma cells. The findings demonstrate that both BBG and BAP-1 selectively stain gliomas, providing a clear contrast from normal brain tissue. The study results open avenues for further development of glioma visualization methods and targeted therapeutic delivery strategies for clinical applications.