What could serve as a biomarker for ALS?
Researchers funded by ALSA are seeking proteins that exist in cells or are secreted by cells, or any other product of metabolism, that would change with ALS. It is likely that, for molecules, several would have to be changing in concentration or be differentially present or absent to accurately reflect ALS. Methods now available make it possible to analyze very small amounts of fluid collected from living beings. Charged surfaces of protein binding chips can separate all the different proteins found in the blood or in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes the brain and spinal cord, or in urine or other body secretions. Investigators can use an extremely sensitive technique to identify the separated molecules, called mass spectrometry. The initial results from investigations show that certain molecules are indeed decreased in CSF in ALS, and others increase. But these potential biomarkers must be verified as accurate indicators of the disease before they can be made into a diagnosti
