Study Rationale:
Alpha-synuclein pathology plays a major role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent studies suggest that measurement of alpha-synuclein in biological fluids (e.g. blood or cerebrospinal fluid) may be a biomarker that can aid in the clinical diagnosis and could help to monitor the progression of the disease. This study aims to measure alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord , as well as in plasma (derived from blood) and saliva to advance our understanding of the relevance of alpha-synuclein levels as a biomarker for PD. Hemoglobin will be measured as a quality control measure.
Hypothesis:
We hypothesize that alpha-synuclein is present in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and saliva and that levels can be measured with appropriate assays. We further expect that the amount of alpha-synuclein in biological fluids may be different depending upon the stage of Parkinson’s disease.
Study Design:
Alpha-synuclein and hemoglobin will be analyzed using plate-based immunoassays that utilize a pair of antibodies to measure the levels of each analyte in the appropriate fluid.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: Measurement of alpha-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord , as well as in plasma (derived from blood) and saliva may advance the development of alpha-synuclein levels as a biomarker for PD.
Next Steps for Development:
N/A
Final Outcome