The utility of α-synuclein as biofluid marker in neurodegenerative diseases: a systematic review of the literature

Biomark Med. 2016;10(1):19-34. doi: 10.2217/BMM.14.105. Epub 2015 Aug 28.

Abstract

The discovery of α-synuclein (α-syn) as a major component of Lewy bodies, neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies and of glial inclusions in multiple system atrophy initiated the investigation of α-syn as a biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Due to the involvement of the periphery in PD the quantification of α-syn in peripheral fluids such as serum, plasma and saliva has been investigated as well. We review how the development of multiple assays for the quantification of α-syn has yielded novel insights into the variety of α-syn species present in the different fluids; the optimal preanalytical conditions required for robust quantification and the potential clinical value of α-syn as biomarker. We also suggest future approaches to use of CSF α-syn in neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: CSF; ELISA; Parkinson's disease; biomarker; diagnosis; α-synuclein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Clinical Chemistry Tests
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnosis
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / genetics
  • alpha-Synuclein / cerebrospinal fluid*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • alpha-Synuclein