This grant builds upon the research from a prior grant: Oxidized DJ-1 as a Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease
Objective/Rationale:
We have developed antibodies against an oxidized form of DJ-1 using complementary approaches to be able to use them as a biomarker in PD. A common problem in biomarker studies is that different laboratories often have different results using the same principles. We will work collaboratively to validate the assay tools by sharing our antibodies and testing them against the same reagents.
Project Description:
Our laboratories will share the antibodies and reagents to test the antibodies for their sensitivity and specificity to detect oxidized form of DJ-1, which may have more specific relevance to PD than unmodified form. We will test them against a range of reagents to validate their usefulness to measure the level of oxidized DJ-1 including human fluids such as blood and CSF.
Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:
DJ-1 is a gene that is mutated in a recessive form of PD and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic PD as well. DJ-1 levels in blood and CSF may be a biomarker of PD diagnosis and disease stages as well as disease progression. Biomarkers such as DJ-1 may also help to monitor therapeutic effects of new drugs for PD.
Anticipated Outcome:
We hope to establish a well validated and standardized assay to be used for biomarker studies of PD.