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Iowa State University researchers have developed anti-alpha-synuclein antibodies that preferentially bind to aggregated alpha-synuclein. The antibodies can be used for an early screening test for alpha-synuclein associated diseases (such as Parkinsons' disease) with potential therapeutic uses to include the treatment of Parkinsons' disease and related alpha-synuclein neurodegenerative diseases.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that is multifactioral in origin.  A compound that plays a major role in the development and progression of PD along with other neurodegenerative diseases is aggregated alpha-synuclein (Alpha-Syn), which is a constituent of Lewy bodies.  However, the normal monomeric form plays an important role for maintaining neuronal homeostasis.  Current commercial monoclonal antibodies are not specific to the aggregated form of Alpha-Syn, so they are not usable as a treatment or detection assay, as they would prevent the normal function of Alpha-Syn.  To overcome these drawbacks, ISU researchers have developed novel monoclonal antibodies that are specific to the aggregated form of Alpha-Syn and do not affect the normal monomeric form.  Since Alpha-Syn aggregates are known to be secreted into cerebral spinal fluid and blood plasma, which are readily obtainable from subjects, these antibodies can be used for early detection of PD.  Additionally, the antibodies can be loaded onto nanoparticles which may avoid degradation or uptake into the wrong organ as well as enhance the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

• Early accurate diagnosis

• Antibodies have high specificity

• Potential to slow down neuronal degeneration and cell death

Early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other pathologies

Potential therapeutic uses

Patent(s) applied for