Evidence for Use of Synuclein Seeding Assays in Parkinson Disease

A new analysis adds to evidence that the assays have potential for diagnostic utility.

In multiple studies, α-synuclein seed amplification assays (SAAs) have been shown to differentiate Parkinson disease (PD) from healthy controls. Using cross-sectional data from the industry-funded Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, this group examined the assay, cohort characteristics, and at-risk groups. The 1123 participants included patients with sporadic PD, those with prodromal rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder or hyposmia, and healthy controls. There were also nonmanifesting carriers of LRRK2 and GBA variants.

The sensitivity of SAAs for PD overall was 87.7%; among those with PD and anosmia, sensitivity improved to 98.6%; but it was lower in those with PD without anosmia (78.3%) and lowest in those with LRRK2 PD (67.5…

Reviewing Author

Michael S. Okun, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America

Speaker’s BureauMedscape/WebMD CME, Movement Disorders Society CME, American Academy of Neurology CME

RoyaltiesBooks4Patients; Demos; Cambridge; Taylor and Francis; Robert Rose; Public Affairs

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; Parkinson’s Foundation; Tourette Association of America; University of Florida Foundation

Editorial BoardsTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements; JAMA Neurology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesParkinson’s Foundation (Medical Advisor)