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High Throughput Sequential ELISA for Validation of Biomarkers of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Published on: October 31, 2012
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Ceramides as Novel Disease Biomarkers
Jennifer Kurz1, Michael J Parnham1, Gerd Geisslinger2
1Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|November 28, 2018
Summary
Ceramides, crucial cell membrane components, are altered in diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Their potential as disease biomarkers for diagnostics and personalized medicine is reviewed.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Ceramides are vital sphingolipids in eukaryotic cell membranes.
- Beyond structural roles, ceramides function as second messengers in cell signaling.
- Altered ceramide levels are implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), coronary artery disease (CAD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the modulation of ceramide levels in a selection of diseases.
- To explore the potential of ceramides as biomarkers for disease diagnostics.
- To assess the utility of ceramides in determining disease stage and enabling personalized medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications on ceramide modulation in diseases.
- Analysis of studies proposing ceramide panels as disease biomarkers.
- Examination of ceramide detection in various biological samples (tissue, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood).
Main Results:
- Ceramide modulation is a recurring theme in diverse pathological conditions.
- Ceramides and their combinations show promise as specific disease biomarkers.
- Detection of ceramides is feasible in multiple biological matrices.
Conclusions:
- Ceramides represent a significant area of research in disease pathology.
- Ceramide-based biomarkers hold potential for improved diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies.
- Further investigation into ceramide biomarkers could advance disease management.
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