Review 2025 · 5 citations

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

Aydin, Seyma, Ozdemir, Selcuk, Adiguzel, Ahmet

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Circulating biomarkers Cell-free DNA CfDNA Liquid biopsy Neurodegenerative disorders CELL-FREE DNA CIRCULATING TUMOR DNA BLOOD COLLECTION TUBES MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA LIQUID BIOPSIES CANCER-PATIENTS PLASMA DNA SERUM APOPTOSIS DIAGNOSIS

WoS Categories

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Neurosciences

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-being

Citation

Journal: JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
Year: 2025
Volume: 75
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0895-8696
eISSN: 1559-1166
DOI: 10.1007/s12031-025-02317-8
WoS UID: WOS:001445796200003

Open via DOI