The Potential of cfDNA as Biomarker: Opportunities and Challenges for Neurodegenerative Diseases


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Aydın Ş., Özdemir S., Adıgüzel A.

JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE, cilt.75, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 75 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12031-025-02317-8
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by the progressive and gradual degeneration of neurons. The prevalence and rates of these disorders rise significantly with age. As life spans continue to increase in many countries, the number of cases is expected to grow in the foreseeable future. Early and precise diagnosis, along with appropriate surveillance, continues to pose a challenge. The high heterogeneity of neurodegenerative diseases calls for more accurate and definitive biomarkers to improve clinical therapy. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), including fragmented DNA released into bodily fluids via apoptosis, necrosis, or active secretion, has emerged as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for various disorders including neurodegenerative diseases. cfDNA can serve as an indicator of ongoing cellular damage and mortality, including neuronal loss, and may provide valuable insights into disease processes, progression, and therapeutic responses. This review will first cover the key aspects of cfDNA and then examine recent advances in its potential use as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders.