1-azepanyl-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanethione

1-azepanyl-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanethione, also known as **thioflavin T (ThT)**, is a **fluorescent dye** that is commonly used in research to **study amyloid fibrils**, which are protein aggregates associated with various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Here's why ThT is important for research:

* **Binds specifically to amyloid fibrils:** ThT has a high affinity for amyloid fibrils, specifically binding to the beta-sheet structure that characterizes these aggregates.
* **Enhanced fluorescence upon binding:** When ThT binds to amyloid fibrils, it undergoes a significant increase in fluorescence intensity and a shift in its emission wavelength. This change in fluorescence properties makes it easy to detect and quantify amyloid fibrils.
* **Used in various research applications:** ThT is widely used in research to:
* **Study the formation and aggregation of amyloid fibrils:** By monitoring the fluorescence of ThT over time, researchers can track the formation of amyloid fibrils and investigate the factors that influence their formation.
* **Screen for drugs that inhibit amyloid fibril formation:** ThT can be used in drug screening assays to identify compounds that prevent or reduce the formation of amyloid fibrils.
* **Diagnose amyloid diseases:** ThT can be used in diagnostic assays to detect amyloid fibrils in biological samples, such as cerebrospinal fluid or brain tissue.
* **Study the structure and dynamics of amyloid fibrils:** ThT fluorescence can be used to study the structure and dynamics of amyloid fibrils, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation and toxicity.

Overall, ThT is a powerful tool that has greatly advanced our understanding of amyloid fibrils and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. It is a valuable tool for research into the prevention and treatment of these devastating conditions.