Large Proteomics Study Identifies New Fluid Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain tissue samples came from autopsy of participants in AD research centers and several epidemiological studies across the country. The brain collections also contained samples from individuals with six other neurodegenerative disorders as well as samples representing normal aging. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from study participants at the Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.

Results of the study pointed to a protein network module linked to sugar metabolism as being one of the modules most significantly associated with AD pathology and cognitive impairment. This module was enriched in AD genetic risk factors and in microglia and astrocyte protein markers associated with an anti-inflammatory state, suggesting that the biological functions it represents serve a protective role in AD. Proteins from this module were found to be elevated in cerebrospinal fluid in early stages of the disease.

"We have been studying the possible links between abnormalities in the way the brain metabolizes glucose and Alzheimer's-related changes for a while now," said contributing author Dr. Madhav Thambisetty, chief of the clinical and translational neuroscience section at the NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING. "The latest analysis suggests that these proteins may also have potential as fluid biomarkers to detect the presence of early disease."

The Alzheimer’s disease proteomics study was published in the April 13, 2020, online edition of the journal Nature Medicine.

Related Links:
Emory University
National Institute on Aging