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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Use of Capillary Electrophoresis Immunoassay to Search for Potential Biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Human Platelets
Published on: February 10, 2020
[Biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]
1Department of Molecular Pathobiology of Brain Diseases, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.
Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|May 10, 2012
Summary
Biomarkers offer hope for faster amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis and monitoring. Research into biochemical, physiological, and neuroimaging markers, including CSF TDP-43, aims to improve patient outcomes and develop new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurodegenerative Disorders
- Biomarker Discovery
- Genomics and Proteomics
Context:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis relies on clinical findings, leading to delays.
- Current therapeutic response measures include functional scales and survival rates.
- Effective ALS treatments are currently lacking.
Purpose:
- To review the development of biochemical, physiological, and neuroimaging biomarkers for ALS.
- To highlight the potential of biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
- To discuss the role of biomarkers in identifying new drug targets and resolving clinical trial complexities.
Summary:
- Modern technology provides insights into ALS pathophysiology, but diagnosis remains delayed.
- Biomarkers in blood, CSF, and via physiological/neuroimaging studies are crucial for rapid diagnosis and monitoring.
- CSF TDP-43 is one such biomarker under investigation, alongside potential future directions.
Impact:
- Biomarkers can enable faster ALS diagnosis and more sensitive monitoring of disease progression.
- Combined biomarkers may reveal early therapeutic effects and address phenotypic heterogeneity in clinical trials.
- Advancing biomarker research is essential for broadening therapeutic options for ALS patients.
