General overview: biomarkers in neuroscience research

Biomarkers are in demand for disease diagnosis, treatment response monitoring, and development of novel therapeutics. Biomarker discovery in neuroscience is challenging due to absence of robust molecular correlates and the interpatient heterogeneity that characterizes neuropsychiatric disorders. Because of the complexity of these disorders, a panel of biomarkers derived from different platforms will be required to precisely reflect disease-related alterations. Animal models of psychiatric phenotypes as well as -omics and imaging methodologies are important tools for biomarker discovery. However, the limitations of current research concerning sample handling and collection, candidate biomarker validation, and a lack of interdisciplinary approaches need to be addressed. Ultimately, the coordinated effort of relevant stakeholders including researchers, physicians, and funding organizations together with standardization initiatives will be vital to overcome the present challenges and to advance personalized health care using sensitive and specific biomarkers.