METHODS OF DIAGNOSING TAU-ASSOCIATED NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

摘要

This invention provides methods and kits for the detection of tau-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. The method generally involves determining the amount of one or more tau protein isoforms in a biological sample relative to a suitable control, where an altered amount of the tau isoform(s) relative to the control identifies the presence of a tau-associated neurodegenerative disease. Such methods can also be applied more generally for the detection of tau abnormalities in any biological sample.

主权项

1. A method for identifying a subject having, or at risk of developing, a tau-associated neurodegenerative disease comprising obtaining a biological sample from the subject and making a determination selected from the group consisting of:
a) determining the amount of tau 2+ protein in the biological sample relative to a suitable control, wherein a decreased amount of tau 2+ protein relative to the control identifies the subject as having, or being at risk of developing, a tau-associated neurodegenerative disease; b) determining the amount of tau 2− protein in the biological sample relative to a suitable control, wherein a increased amount of tau 2− protein relative to the control identifies the subject as having, or being at risk of developing, a tau-associated neurodegenerative disease; c) determining the tau 2+/tau 2− ratio in the biological sample relative to a suitable control, wherein a decreased tau 2+/tau 2− ratio relative to the control identifies the subject as having, or being at risk of developing, a tau-associated neurodegenerative disease; and d) determining the amount of secreted vesicular tau protein in the biological sample relative to a suitable control, wherein an increased amount of secreted vesicular tau protein relative to the control identifies the subject as having, or being at risk of developing, a tau-associated neurodegenerative disease.