Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status
Published on: October 20, 2016
The Serum Exosome Derived MicroRNA-135a, -193b, and -384 Were Potential Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
Ting Ting Yang1, Chen Geng Liu1, Shi Chao Gao1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
Objective:
MicroRNAs (miRs) are attractive molecules to be considered as one of the blood-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The goal of this study was to explore their potential value as biomarkers for the diagnosis of AD.
Methods:
The expression levels of exosomal miR-135a, -193b, and -384 in the serum from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia of Alzheimer-type (DAT), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD), and vascular dementia (VaD) patients were measured with a real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) method.
Results:
Both serum exosome miR-135a and miR-384 were up-regulated while miR-193b was down-regulated in serum of AD patients compared with that of normal controls. Exosome miR-384 was the best among the three miRs to discriminate AD, VaD, and PDD. Using the cut-off value could better interpret these laboratory test results than reference intervals in the AD diagnosis. ROC curve showed that the combination of miR-135a, -193b, and -384 was proved to be better than a particular one for early AD diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Our results indicated that the exosomal miRs in the serum were not only potential biomarker of AD early diagnosis, but might also provide novel insights into the screen and prevention of the disease.
Insights
Serum exosomal microRNAs (miRs) show promise as early diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specific miRs, particularly miR-384, can differentiate AD from other dementias, with combinations offering improved early detection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are emerging as potential blood-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders.
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis often relies on clinical assessments and costly imaging, highlighting the need for accessible biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic value of exosomal microRNAs (miRs) in serum for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To explore the potential of specific miRs (miR-135a, -193b, -384) as blood-based biomarkers for differentiating AD from other cognitive impairments.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia of Alzheimer-type (DAT), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were analyzed.
- Exosomal microRNA expression levels were quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Serum exosomal miR-135a and miR-384 were upregulated, while miR-193b was downregulated in AD patients compared to controls.
- Exosomal miR-384 demonstrated the strongest ability to discriminate between AD, VaD, and PDD.
- A combination of miR-135a, -193b, and -384 showed superior performance for early AD diagnosis compared to individual miRs.
Conclusions:
- Exosomal miRs in serum are potential biomarkers for early AD diagnosis.
- These findings may offer new insights for disease screening and prevention strategies.
- The study highlights the utility of cut-off values over reference intervals for interpreting diagnostic results.
