closer to a laboratory test: CAMK2A

[frodo]

https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/handle/1807/123448

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MScl) remains a highly unpredictable disease. Many hope that fluid biomarkers may contribute to better stratification of disease, aiding the personalization of treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) brain-specific proteins from early in the disease course of MScl on long term clinical outcomes.

In this prospective longitudinal study, 34 MScl patients had their CSF collected and stored within 5 years of disease onset and were then followed clinically for at least 15 years. CSF concentrations of 64 brain-specific proteins were analyzed in the 34 patient CSF, as well as 19 age and sex-matched controls, using a targeted liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry approach.

We identified six CSF brain-specific proteins that significantly differentiated MScl from controls (p<0.05) and several proteins that could predict disease course over the next decade. Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase II Alpha (CAMK2A) emerged as a biomarker candidate that could discriminate between MScl and controls and could predict long-term disease progression.

Targeted approaches to identify and quantify biomarkers associated with MScl in the CSF may inform on long term MScl outcomes. CAMK2A may be one of several candidates, warranting further exploration.