Scientists from Japan have developed an innovative assay called IP/RT-QuIC that detects α-synuclein seeds in the blood of patients suffering from synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease. This test offers a highly sensitive, rapid, and straightforward method for distinguishing between different neurodegenerative disorders by analyzing the structural differences in the seeds. Conducted by a team from Juntendo University and other institutions, the research, funded by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, was published in Nature Medicine in May 2023.
The IP/RT-QuIC assay involves isolating α-synuclein seeds from serum using immunoprecipitation followed by real-time amplification through vigorous shaking. Notably, it detects concentrations as low as 1000 pg/ml, contrasting with current methods that necessitate cerebrospinal fluid. The researchers employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe that different diseases yield distinct seed structures; for instance, Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies showed paired filaments, while multiple system atrophy displayed straight and twisted filaments.
This advancement allows for quicker diagnoses, potentially enabling general practitioners to identify these conditions earlier and implement personalized treatment strategies, enhancing patient care for those with neurodegenerative diseases.
