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Updated: May 20, 2026
A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status
Published on: October 20, 2016
Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in a fulminant case of multiple sclerosis
Judit Füvesi1,2, Jörg Hanrieder2,3, Krisztina Bencsik1
1Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged 6725, Hungary.
Abstract:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease, but in rare fulminant cases rapid progression may lead to death shortly after diagnosis. Currently there is no diagnostic test to predict disease course. The aim of this study was to identify potential biomarkers/proteins related to rapid progression. We present the case history of a 15-year-old male MS patient. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was taken at diagnosis and at the time of rapid progression leading to the patient's death. Using isobaric tag labeling and nanoflow liquid chromatography in conjunction with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight tandem mass spectrometry we quantitatively analyzed the protein content of two CSF samples from the patient with fulminant MS as well as one relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patient and one control headache patient, whose CSF analysis was normal. Seventy-eight proteins were identified and seven proteins were found to be more abundant in both fulminant MS samples but not in the RR MS sample compared to the control. These proteins are involved in the immune response, blood coagulation, cell proliferation and cell adhesion. In conclusion, in this pilot study we were able to show differences in the CSF proteome of a rapidly progressing MS patient compared to a more typical clinical form of MS and a control subject.
Insights
Researchers identified seven proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that may indicate rapid progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This finding could lead to biomarkers for predicting severe MS cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with variable progression.
- Fulminant MS, though rare, can lead to rapid deterioration and death.
- Predictive biomarkers for MS disease course are currently lacking.
Observation:
- A case study of a 15-year-old male with fulminant MS was analyzed.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected at diagnosis and during rapid progression.
- Proteomic analysis was performed on CSF from the fulminant MS patient, a relapsing-remitting MS patient, and a control.
Findings:
- Seventy-eight proteins were identified in the CSF samples.
- Seven proteins were significantly more abundant in fulminant MS CSF compared to control and relapsing-remitting MS CSF.
- These identified proteins are associated with immune response, coagulation, cell proliferation, and adhesion.
Implications:
- This pilot study suggests potential CSF protein biomarkers for identifying rapidly progressing MS.
- Further research could validate these proteins for predicting severe MS trajectories.
- Developing predictive tools could aid in early intervention and personalized treatment strategies for MS patients.
