Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Frontotemporal Dementia, impact over 50 million people worldwide (1). By 2040, these diseases are projected to become the world's second leading cause of death (2). Early diagnosis and prevention of these diseases are critical. For this reason, researchers are focused on developing biomarkers that can be used to:
- Uncover the underlying biological mechanisms
- Enable early detection
- Facilitate differential diagnosis
- Monitor disease progression, and
- Serve as screeners and surrogate endpoints in clinical trials
Basic scientists and clinical trial researchers have already made significant strides in understanding the biological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's. Proof-of concept biomarkers exist for both specific diseases and neurodegeneration in general, and promising candidates continue to emerge (3).
These biomarkers hold the potential to diagnosis diseases long before symptoms appear. In Alzheimer's, for example, formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles can begin 30 years before clinical symptoms manifest (4).
However, discovering biomarkers is just the beginning. Researchers are now focused on understanding the biological functions of these biomarkers and how they may interact with each other.
- When does each candidate biomarker exert its influence?
- What are the downstream consequences of intervening on each well-established biomarker (e.g. p-tau in Alzheimer's)?
- Where in the pathway of developing disease will interventions have the greatest effect?
- Which biomarker or combination of biomarkers best relates to clinical symptoms? Which is best for early and differential diagnosis?
Neuroscientists are racing to answer these questions and develop clinically useful biomarker assessments.
So, what challenges impede our understanding of basic disease mechanisms and the development of clinical trial capabilities?
First, the brain is highly complex, with multiple interacting pathways contributing to neurodegenerative diseases over time.
Current biomarker detection techniques, such as imaging and molecular assays, have limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and resolution. Advanced techniques such as next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry, while powerful, are costly and require specialized expertise.
To overcome these challenges, researchers are utilizing technologies like single-molecule array (SIMOA) and Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (e.g. Meso Scale Discovery or MSD) that offer sensitivity and the ability to measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously.
As a developer and manufacturer of high-quality immunoassays for 34 years, PBL Assay Science understands the challenges that neurodegenerative disease researchers face. Selecting a biomarker assay that offers the sensitivity and precision required is often key to scientific breakthroughs.
With that in mind, we are launching a series of blog posts discussing the current state in neurodegenerative disease research. We will cover various diseases and biomarkers, keeping you informed whether you are starting your own research program, curious about your colleagues' discoveries, or simply interested in neurodegenerative diseases. Throughout, we'll examine how technology is helping advance biomarker research.