Research question:
1. Which protein signatures or biomarkers in the UK Biobank proteomics dataset correlate most significantly with major neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease?
2. How do these proteomic profiles align with mRNA expression data from large, publicly available neurodegenerative disease databases (e.g., ADNI, FOUNDIN-PD, PPMI)
Neurodegenerative diseases-including Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease-are complex disorders characterized by progressive loss of neuronal function. They can manifest in symptoms such as cognitive decline, motor impairments, or other neurological deficits. Current diagnostic approaches are often reliant on clinical observations and lack definitive biomarkers for early detection or effective disease monitoring.
The rationale for leveraging the UK Biobank proteomics data lies in the potential of large-scale proteomic analyses to reveal critical protein signatures associated with various neurodegenerative conditions. Proteomics offers an extensive view of protein expression and interactions essential for understanding disease mechanisms. By examining the proteomes of individuals with and without neurodegenerative diseases, we aim to pinpoint specific biomarkers either directly involved in disease pathogenesis or indicative of disease progression. Aligning with the goals of the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics project, this initiative seeks to leverage the vast proteomic data available to identify and characterize biomarkers that may guide early diagnosis and novel therapeutic strategies across a range of neurodegenerative disorders.