Biomarker Core

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ABSTRACT – BIOMARKER CORE The objective of the Biomarker Core is to acquire and analyze biofluid and imaging biomarkers, characterize their relevance to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and determine the underlying age-related factors that drive the development, progression, or experience of the disease. To achieve these goals, we bring together experts across diverse backgrounds in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging to provide institutional resources to serve ADRC investigators, help initiate new collaborations, and train the next generation of AD and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (AD+ADRD) biomarkers researchers. Specifically, we propose four aims: 1) Acquire conventional and novel biomarkers in biofluid (CSF, blood), brain images (PET, MRI), and sensory organ data (retinal imaging) in adjudicated participant groups. Working closely with the Clinical Core, we will acquire CSF, blood, PET and MRI biomarkers in our clinical cohort to submit to the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC). At the same time, we will collaborate closely with independently funded research projects to acquire novel and early biomarkers in high-risk populations during the prodromal or early symptomatic stages of AD pathology. 2) Analyze biomarkers to obtain standardized measures and support relevant funded research projects within the ADRC community. We will perform standardized analyses in biofluid and imaging data to extract conventional biomarkers, and collaborate with existing funded projects to develop specialized analytics to identify novel biomarkers that can lead to earlier detection and prevention. 3) Provide resources to ADRC researchers integrating standardized multi-dimensional biomarkers data across all participants to characterize the underlying age-related drivers for AD. Working closely with the Data Management and Statistics Core, we will create and curate a multi-dimensional database, integrating all acquired biomarkers and clinical measures. This database will be used to assist and train the next generation of AD researchers in their investigations of underlying age-related drivers of AD, through collaborations with the Research Education Component. 4) Disseminate our expertise and knowledge to support the AD community at large. Working with the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core, we will disseminate our expertise and knowledge on established and emerging biomarkers to the local AD stakeholder community, other ADRC centers, and AD+ADRD researchers and providers across the nation. Through these four aims, we hope to help achieve our overall objective to catalyze and support high- caliber research and innovations to reduce the burden of AD and its impact on patients and families.