The Fluid Biomarker Core laboratory has studied biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (AD) for more than 20 years, with a particular interest in preclinical and early stage symptomatic AD.
Our overarching goal is to better understand the natural course of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders through the use of fluid biomarkers. We are engaged in evaluating the utility of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and prognosis, assessment of therapeutic target engagement, and clinical trial outcomes.
Our laboratory employs a variety of assay platforms including enzyme linked immunosorbent assays [ELISA], bead-based immunoassays [Luminex], single-molecule counting systems [SMCxPRO, Simoa) and automated immunoassays [Lumipulse]) to study protein biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of research participants. The lab operates according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, utilizing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and defined quality control (QC) metrics.
Although considered a research lab, the lab is also involved in the analysis of clinical trial samples for exploratory outcome measures. With the goal of bringing biomarker measures to clinical care, the lab also participates in ongoing, international collaborative efforts to promote biomarker standardization and validation.
The laboratory is under the direction of Suzanne Schindler, MD, PhD with assistance from Rachel Hendrix, PhD. The laboratory is funded by many federal NIA/NIH grants, philanthropic research organizations and industry partners.