Neuronal exosomes reveal Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in Down syndrome
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Enrichment of Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Human Plasma
Published on: August 3, 2022
Eric D Hamlett1, Edward J Goetzl2, Aurélie Ledreux1
1Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
Introduction:
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology and dementia early in life. Blood biomarkers of AD neuropathology would be valuable, as non-AD intellectual disabilities of DS and AD dementia overlap clinically. We hypothesized that elevations of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and phosphorylated-tau in neuronal exosomes may document preclinical AD.
Methods:
AD neuropathogenic proteins Aβ1-42, P-T181-tau, and P-S396-tau were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in extracts of neuronal exosomes purified from blood of individuals with DS and age-matched controls.
Results:
Neuronal exosome levels of Aβ1-42, P-T181-tau, and P-S396-tau were significantly elevated in individuals with DS compared with age-matched controls at all ages beginning in childhood. No significant gender differences were observed.
Discussion:
These early increases in Aβ1-42, P-T181-tau, and P-S396-tau in individuals with DS may provide a basis for early intervention as targeted treatments become available.
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