Synbio Technologies is pleased to announce its contribution to a collaborative study recently published in Nature Neuroscience.

The research, titled “Dendritic translation and neuroproteasome-mediated degradation of endogenous tau revealed by STARFISH,” was published online on August 13, 2026.

Read the full publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-026-02398-7

Synbio Technologies served as a collaborating partner, contributing to key experimental work including the synthesis of specialized probes used in the STARFISH platform.

Advancing Research into Tau Biology

Tau mislocalization and aggregation are closely associated with the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, understanding where endogenous tau is synthesized and how newly synthesized tau is regulated has remained challenging.

In this study, researchers developed STARFISH (spatially-resolved translation of endogenous RNA FISH) to visualize endogenous mRNA translation with high spatial resolution.

Using STARFISH, the researchers investigated transcripts including Arc, Camk2a, Actb, and Mapt, providing new insights into the spatial dynamics of tau translation and degradation in neurons.

The findings provide evidence that tau can be locally translated in dendrites and that newly synthesized tau can undergo neuroproteasome-mediated degradation, offering a new perspective on tau regulation.

Precision Probe Synthesis for STARFISH

Synbio Technologies supported the study through the synthesis of specialized probes designed for the STARFISH workflow.

Key probe features included:

• Click-chemistry modifications: Tetrazine (Tz) or Azide handles for downstream conjugation 14-nt semi-flexible linker: Designed to reduce steric hindrance and improve spatial accessibility

• Controlled probe design: 20–24 bp length, 40–60 bp spacing, 35–50% GC content, and Tm ≤44°C

• RNase-free synthesis: Supporting compatibility with downstream click chemistry, UnFold probe connection, rolling circle amplification, and immunostaining

These precisely designed probes supported successful STARFISH applications across multiple transcripts and helped enable high-resolution visualization of endogenous translation.

Reliable Click-Chemistry Solutions

In addition to specialized probe synthesis, Synbio Technologies has provided DNA sequence modification and click-chemistry synthesis services since 2019.

Our modification capabilities include: DBCO · BCN · TCO · Tetrazine (Tz) · Azide · Alkyne

These chemistries can support a broad range of biomolecular conjugation applications, with solutions designed for high coupling efficiency, rapid reaction kinetics, flexible reaction conditions, and consistent batch performance.

DBCO–Azide

Under appropriate conditions, DBCO–Azide coupling can achieve >95% coupling efficiency, with typical reaction times of approximately 1–3 hours. The chemistry can be performed under neutral, mildly acidic, or mildly basic conditions and is also compatible with anhydrous environments.

TCO–Tetrazine

TCO–Tetrazine chemistry offers exceptionally rapid reaction kinetics, with coupling achievable within seconds under appropriate conditions. It is particularly suitable for applications where fast conjugation is important.

Supporting Advanced Molecular Research

The publication of this study highlights the importance of precisely designed molecular tools in advancing biomedical research.

From FISH probes and spatial biology to modified oligonucleotides and biomolecular conjugation, Synbio Technologies provides customized synthesis and modification solutions to support complex research workflows.

We are proud to contribute our expertise to collaborative research at the forefront of neuroscience and molecular biology.

Synbio Technologies — Precision Molecular Tools for Advanced Life Science Research.