Measuring blood biomarkers for diagnosing parkinsonian syndromes after death
Official title: Can diagnostic biomarkers for parkinsonian syndromes be measured in postmortem blood samples?
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10572535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood samples taken after someone has passed away can help find markers that tell the difference between Parkinson's disease and other similar conditions, which could lead to better and more accurate diagnoses for people with these disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $444,459 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS130326-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10572535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonian disorders and have passed away.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently alive and have not been diagnosed with parkinsonian syndromes will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of using blood samples collected postmortem to identify biomarkers that can accurately distinguish between Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders. By analyzing the concentration of α-synuclein in extracellular vesicles from these blood samples, the study aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, which is often hindered by misdiagnosis. The approach involves a minimally invasive blood draw, making it a promising method for developing reliable diagnostic tests. The study will validate the diagnoses pathologically to ensure the biomarkers are effective in distinguishing between different parkinsonian syndromes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses for patients with parkinsonian syndromes, reducing stress and improving treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using blood biomarkers for diagnosing neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bitan, Gal — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bitan, Gal
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.