Fig. 2.

Oligomer toxicity A) Different size aggregates can bind receptors in the cell membrane leading to signalling. This can be detected by imaging if the receptor and aggregate are both fluorophore labelled since the fluorescence signals will co-localise. Alternatively, aggregates can bind non-specifically to the cell membrane which leads to a fluorescence signal that does not co-localise with the labelled receptor and can induce membrane permabilisation. B) A liposome assay using small surface immobilised liposomes, containing a Calcium binding dye can sensitively detect membrane permeabilisation by oligomers. Calcium ion entry from the bath into the liposome leads to increased fluorescence in the liposome that can be sensitively detected by total internal reflection fluorescenece microscopy.