Sensitive and specific detection of α-synuclein in human plasma

Abstract

α-Synuclein (αsyn) mutations, overexpression, misfolding, and aggregation are associated with Parkinson's disease. This protein has been intensively studied in neuronal systems. However, αsyn is also present in extracellular fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma. Recent studies have attempted to quantify its levels and compare these in various extracellular fluids of control and Parkinson's disease subjects. Data from these studies have been difficult to interpret, suggesting that more sensitive, standardized, and wellcharacterized assays of larger cohorts are required. Here, we describe the development of a new ELISA specifically for quantifying αsyn in human plasma. An initi..