We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Blood Test to Track Gene Expression in the Brain Could Help Prevent Neurological Diseases

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 16 Jan 2024
Print article
Image: Scan of the mouse hippocampus and cortex (Photo courtesy of Rice University)
Image: Scan of the mouse hippocampus and cortex (Photo courtesy of Rice University)

Encased within a complex network of specialized blood vessels, the brain remains the body's most protected organ. This intricate structure, while protective against external threats, poses significant challenges for researchers seeking to understand gene expression dynamics and their link to diseases. Addressing this challenge, scientists have now introduced a noninvasive method to track gene expression in the brain, potentially transforming research in brain development, cognitive function, and neurological disorders.

The team of scientists at Rice University (Houston, TX, USA) has developed a groundbreaking class of molecules named released markers of activity (RMAs). These RMAs offer a noninvasive solution to measure gene expression in the brain via a simple blood test. Traditionally, assessing gene expression in the brain has been limited to post-mortem analysis or less sensitive and specific modern neuroimaging techniques. The RMA platform, however, introduces a synthetic gene expression reporter into the brain, which synthesizes a protein capable of traversing the blood-brain barrier, thus facilitating the measurement of gene expression changes via a simple blood test.

Prior studies have found that antibodies cross the blood-brain barrier using the neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn), a gene instrumental in regulating antibody levels in the body. Utilizing advanced bioengineering methods, the Rice University team fused the antibody segment responsible for blood-brain barrier passage with a common reporter protein. This innovation allowed for the successful attachment of RMAs to specific genes. When these genes were expressed in a mouse's brain, their expression was detectable in the animal’s blood. The scientists believe that RMAs could become an essential tool for researchers to monitor brain gene expression. For instance, the RMA platform could be invaluable in determining the duration of novel gene therapies within the brain.

“This method is very sensitive and can track changes in specific cells,” said Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski. “Producing this protein in approximately 1% of the brain raised its blood levels up to 100,000-fold compared to baseline. We could specifically track the expression of this one protein with just a blood test.”

“We could track these new therapies with just a blood test and continue to monitor them over time since the RMA platform is noninvasive,” Szablowski added. “But we can also use RMAs to study gene expression as it relates to disease. Being able to track different gene expression changes will allow us to understand what leads to disease and how the disease itself changes gene expression in the brain. This could provide new clues for drug development, or even for how to prevent neurological diseases in the first place.”

Related Links:
Rice University

Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Urine Drug Test
Instant-view Methadone Urine Drug Test
New
Serum Toxicology Benzodiazepine Assay
DRI Serum Toxicology Benzodiazepine Assay

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: LMU’s Professor Frederick Klauschen developed the novel approach that can improve diagnostic accuracy (Photo courtesy of LMU Munich)

AI Tool Uses Imaging Data to Detect Less Frequent GI Diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being utilized in various medical fields, demonstrating significant potential in aiding doctors in diagnosing diseases through imaging data. However, training AI... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.