AMY-Dx · Investigating the potential of microbiome-derived amyloidogenic proteins as clinical biomarkers for the early detection of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder affecting over 6 million individuals worldwide, with its prevalence projected to double by 2040. Early detection of PD represents a critical unmet clinical need, as current diagnostics are limited to detecting motor symptoms after extensive neuronal damage has already occurred. My ERC Consolidator Grant ""ExpoBiome"" has uncovered specific microbiome-derived molecules as potential biomarkers linked to PD pathology. These proteins, produced by the gut microbiome, have been found to trigger pathological aggregation of human proteins such as α-synuclein, the molecular hallmark of PD.This ERC Proof of Concept project aims to establish the utility of these microbiome-derived molecules as predictive biomarkers for prodromal and early-stage PD. I will quantify these proteins in both faecal and blood samples from the ExpoBiome cohort and from an independent cohort of newly diagnosed, unmedicated PD patients, idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (a prodromal stage of PD) patients, and healthy controls. Through advanced analytical and bioinformatic analyses, I will establish the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of these biomarkers, addressing technical feasibility and reproducibility.The project will also assess the commercial potential of the biomarkers through conducting a market analysis, assay development and go-to-market strategy. The establishment of a new biomarker signature for PD could enable earlier diagnosis, facilitating timely intervention and stratification of patients for emerging neuroprotective therapies. It will accelerate research into PD pathogenesis and therapeutic development, bridging the gap between microbiome science and neurodegenerative disease research. The outcomes of this project will lay the foundation for future clinical translation, with significant implications for improving patient outcomes and reducing PD’s societal burden.""