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Funded Studies

Evaluation of Alpha-synuclein and Hemoglobin Levels in CSF, Plasma and Saliva samples from the BioFind Cohort

Study Rationale:                   

Alpha-synuclein pathology plays a major role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent studies suggest that measurement of alpha-synuclein in biological fluids (e.g. blood or cerebrospinal fluid) may be a biomarker that can aid in the clinical diagnosis and could help to monitor the progression of the disease. This study aims to measure alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord ,  as well as in plasma (derived from blood) and saliva to advance our understanding of the relevance of alpha-synuclein levels as a biomarker for PD. Hemoglobin will be measured as a quality control measure.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesize that alpha-synuclein is present in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and saliva and that levels can be measured with appropriate assays. We further expect that the amount of alpha-synuclein in biological fluids may be different depending upon the stage of Parkinson’s disease.

Study Design:

Alpha-synuclein and hemoglobin will be analyzed using plate-based immunoassays that utilize a pair of antibodies to measure the levels of each analyte in the appropriate fluid.

Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease:   Measurement of alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord ,  as well as in plasma (derived from blood) and saliva may advance the development of alpha-synuclein levels as a biomarker for PD.

Next Steps for Development:

N/A 

Final Outcome

  


Researchers

  • Peggy Taylor, ScD

    Boston, MA United States


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