collaboration with Crestwood Medical Center’s ALS Care Clinic in Huntsville, Alabama. Blood samples from ALS patients are analyzed alongside sam- ples from individuals without ALS to identify and validate unique nucleic acids in the blood of ALS patients that could be used as predictive biomark- ers. The team has found some exciting preliminary results that they’re working to validate in the upcoming year. In 2024, researchers in the Myers lab launched a study in conjunction with the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine to identify biomarkers linked to Parkinson’s disease. Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, as well as unaffected family or friends, enroll at the clinic to donate blood samples for the study. As of late 2024, more than
100 samples have already been collected. Once the team has a representative number of samples, they’ll start analyzing them for potential biomark- ers. In addition to diagnosing disease earlier, bio- markers are also extremely helpful in monitoring disease progression and patient response to treat- ments. During clinical trials, pharmaceutical com- panies rely on biomarkers to help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from a specific drug, measure how well a drug is working by assessing changes in specific biological markers related to the disease, and help predict clinical outcomes. ■
To learn more, listen to
Dr. Cochran discussing an experiment with BRIDGES fellow Aminatou Diallo.
RESEARCH REPORT 2023-2024
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