AD biomarker discovery in CSF and in alternative matrices

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Core Alzheimer's Disease (AD) diagnosis utilizes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers: amyloid β42, amyloid β40, total tau, and phosphorylated tau.
• Current biomarkers are crucial for diagnosis and clinical trial stratification but lack insight into disease mechanisms and risk factors.
• There is a need for novel biomarkers, ideally from less invasive sources, to complement existing methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and limitations of established CSF biomarkers for AD.
• To discuss emerging CSF candidate biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease.
• To highlight the potential of alternative biological matrices for novel biomarker discovery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers.
• Analysis of research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and alternative biological fluids (blood, urine, saliva, tears).
• Discussion of novel ultrasensitive technologies enabling biomarker identification.

Main Results:

• Established CSF biomarkers (amyloid and tau proteins) are effective for diagnosis and trial stratification.
• Novel candidate biomarkers are being identified in CSF.
• Promising results from alternative matrices like blood, urine, saliva, and tears indicate potential for brain-derived biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• While classical CSF biomarkers are valuable, novel candidates and alternative matrices offer future diagnostic and research potential.
• Ultrasensitive technologies are advancing the discovery of brain-derived biomarkers in accessible fluids.
• Further research into these novel biomarkers could improve AD understanding, risk prediction, and treatment strategies.