Molecular Mechanisms and Biomarker Discovery in Neurodegenerative Disorders
A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 41
Special Issue Editor
Interests: dementia; neurodegenerative disorders; Alzheimer’s disease; Lewy body synucleinopathies; frontotemporal lobar degenerations; tauopathies; TDP43 proteinopathies; vascular cognitive impairment; cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers; neurochemistry; neuropsychology; neuroimaging
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past 25 years, there has been significant research on biological markers for neurodegenerative diseases. A significant focus has been placed on molecular biomarkers such as Aβ42, Aβ40, phospho-tau, total tau, and NFL in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These biomarkers reflect underlying biochemical mechanisms and play a pivotal role in the differential diagnosis of cognitive disorders in vivo. Alternatively, brain Aβ and tau accumulation can be determined/visualized using positron emission tomography (PET). Therefore, the aforementioned biomarkers (CSF or PET) have been incorporated into diagnostic or classification criteria/guidelines for cognitive disorders. This has facilitated the diagnostic approach for such patients, the identification of various types of brain pathologies and biochemical mechanisms, and the selection of patients eligible for therapeutic interventions. Plasma biomarkers such as p-tau217 or the p-tau217/Aβ42 ratio are currently being investigated with the aim of simplifying the diagnostic procedure. Conversely, seeding amplification assay (SAA) for α-synuclein has the potential to become an important component in the diagnostic approach for Parkinsonian disorders. TDP-43 may be another emerging biomarker, while markers of neuroinflammation may be helpful in identifying concomitant mechanisms. In addition to biomarkers with molecular specificity, structural or functional imaging (MRI, functional MRI, and others) may also be helpful.
Researchers are invited to contribute their valuable work in all types of fluid, imaging, genetic and neuropsychological biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders and their association with molecular mechanisms. In addition, the reverse association—how identification of molecular mechanisms may lead to the development—is of interest. The following disorders are included in the scope of this report, although they are not limited to the following: mild cognitive impairment or dementia of any type, primary progressive aphasia or apraxia, normal pressure hydrocephalus, Parkinsonism of any type, and motor neuron disease. We welcome submissions of original research articles and review articles.
Dr. George P. Paraskevas
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- neurodegenerative diseases
- molecular biomarkers
- cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers
- positron emission tomography (PET)
- seeding amplification assay (SAA)
- plasma biomarkers
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