Taking quick snapshots of molecules that exist for only thousandths of a second or less during chemical reactions could shed light on such diseases as Alzheimers, according to a study reported in the March 18 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Known as reaction intermediates, such molecules formerly existed for too short of periods of time to be seen by most sensors.

But now Jason Shear and Matthew Plenert at the University of Texas have developed a method for taking snapshots of these intermediate molecules before the structures change into their more stable end products.

Next, the researchers are interested in applying their technique to study how proteins fold into functional molecules. They hope to determine changes in molecular shape as a protein evolves from an unfolded to a biologically active form.

The reaction intermediates may offer clues into how proteins take shape, a vital area of study for understanding how proteins fold incorrectly in the brain tissue of people stricken with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

"Understanding a process as complex as protein folding requires application of numerous experimental and theoretical tools," said Shear. "We think that an ability to probe properties of short-lived molecules, potentially in complex mixtures, can play an important role in attacking this problem," he said.

Other sources: National Science Foundation