Introduction

A method for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases is described, based on the measurement of the heteromeric complexes of α-synuclein with β-amyloid or with Tau protein in a blood sample. Further objects of the invention are an immunochemical assay for the quantitative determination of the aforementioned heteromeric complexes and a diagnostic kit for performing the assay.

Technical features

The present invention concerns the development of a solid phase enzyme immunoassay that allows to determine the levels of α-synuclein heterocomplexes with β-amyloid or Tau protein in biological fluids (blood, and, where possible, cefalorachidian liquor). The kit will allow a) to define the role of heterocomplexes in the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases; b) to develop promising diagnostic tools and drugs for the early diagnosis of pathology and for personalized therapy.

Possible Applications

• Development of a diagnostic and prognostic kit on blood for neurodegenerative diseases;
• Development of a commercial kit for research purposes.

Advantages

• Quantitative determination of α-synuclein heterocomplexes;
• Use of peripheral fluid instead of cefalorachidian liquor;
• Possible diagnosis at a lower cost compared to current diagnostic methods;
• Possible early diagnosis by preventive screening in non-symptomatic subjects.