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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Published on: January 28, 2014
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Biomarkers
Yue Yang1, Ting Li2, Borui Tang1
1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 26, 2025
Summary
This study identifies key protein biomarkers like GFAP and NEFL and neuroimaging markers linked to Alzheimer's disease progression. These findings advance understanding and potential treatments for this neurodegenerative condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Discovery
- Machine Learning
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia with no cure, necessitating early detection methods.
- Progressive cognitive decline in AD highlights the need for predictive tools.
- Proteomics and neuroimaging offer potential biomarkers and brain changes for AD research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To de-bias analysis of complex, block-missing multi-omics data using a novel double machine learning framework.
- To evaluate causal relationships between plasma biomarkers (GFAP, NEFL, GDF15, LTBP2) and hippocampal atrophy in AD.
- To enhance understanding of Alzheimer's disease progression through integrated biomarker and neuroimaging analysis.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel double machine learning framework for analyzing multi-omics data with missing values.
- Combined rigorous statistical analysis with advanced machine learning techniques.
- Investigated causal links between specific plasma protein biomarkers and hippocampal atrophy.
Main Results:
- Identified significant protein biomarkers (GFAP, NEFL, CST5) linked to astroglial activation, axonal injury, and inflammation.
- Detected functional connectivity disruptions and alterations in large-scale brain networks.
- Revealed white matter microstructural damage (diffusion MRI) and hippocampal subfield changes relevant to AD pathology.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive analysis of key biomarkers and neuroanatomical changes in Alzheimer's disease.
- Findings advance the understanding of AD progression mechanisms.
- Opens new avenues for developing targeted therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease.
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