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Biomarker

Snapshot: What is Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)?

Public transit may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the brain, but it’s a great way to understand how all the parts of the central nervous system work together. Nutrients, hormones, and other important molecules (the passengers) need to get on and off Read More…

Elongating expansions in HD and SCA1

Written by Dr. Marija Cvetanovic  Edited by Dr. Larissa Nitschke Expanded CAG repeats are the cause of Huntington’s disease (HD) and several spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Longer inherited CAG expansions correlate with the earlier disease onset and worse symptoms. We know from past research that these expansions are unstable and become longer Read More…

Snapshot: What is Neurofilament light protein (NfL)?

Nerve cells (aka neurons) are unique cells in that they have long, and thin extensions called axons which form connections with and talk to other neurons. This particular shape of neurons determines how quickly they can get their messages to other cells. You can think of the axons in the Read More…

A promising biomarker to track disease progression in SCA3

Written by Dr. Ambika Tewari Edited by Dr. Gulin Oz Neurofilament light chain could provide a reliable readout of how far an SCA3 patient’s disease has progressed How often have you heard that the most effective way to treat a disorder is early intervention? In reality, “early” is not possible Read More…

Spotlight: The Neuro-D lab Leiden

Principal Investigator: Dr. Willeke van Roon-Mom Location: Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands Year Founded: 1995 What disease areas do you research? SCA1 SCA3 Huntington’s Disease Dutch – Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Alzheimer Disease What models and techniques do you use? Mouse Models hiPSC-derived stem cells models Post-mortem patient tissue Read More…

Snapshot: What is a biomarker?

A biomarker is any biological-based measurement that provides useful information regarding a person’s health. For example, blood test results showing increased glucose levels can be used as a biomarker for diabetes. A blood test showing an increased white blood cell count is a biomarker for infection. There are many sources of Read More…

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