Antibodies for detecting ALS and frontotemporal dementia
This technology describes two antibodies that detect the HDGFL2 cryptic exon that is found in ALS-FTD patients during early disease progression.
Unmet Need: Biomarkers for early-stage ALS-FTD
Early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is critical for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. TDP-43 protein is a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and aberrant inclusion of cryptic exons in transcripts reflects TDP-43 loss of function. The HDGFL2 cryptic exon is detectable in ALS-FTD patients during early disease progression; however, existing antibodies and detection methods often lack specificity for cryptic exon-containing protein isoforms or are complicated by the low expression and instability of cryptic peptides, making it difficult to distinguish full-length wild-type proteins from cryptic-exon-included variants.
The Technology: Monoclonal antibodies for HDGFL2 cryptic exon
This technology describes two monoclonal antibodies that can detect HDGFL2 cryptic exons at the protein level. The antibodies have been validated using Western blot and immunofluorescence to specifically identify HDGFL2 with cryptic exon and not wild-type HDGFL2. The antibodies are highly specific and sensitive, comparable or superior to commercially available antibodies. Since HDGFL2 cryptic exons are detectable in early stages of ALS-FTD disease pathology, these antibodies have the potential to be used as early biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of ALS-FTD and other TDP-43 related pathologies.
Applications:
- Diagnostic biomarker for ALS-FTD disease
- Research tool for cryptic exon-mediated neurodegeneration
- Biomarker for TDP-43-related disease progression
Advantages:
- Specific for the HDGFL2 cryptic exon
- Validated for both immunofluorescence and Western blot applications
- Selectivity for cryptic exon-containing HDGFL2 over wild-type HDGFL2
Lead Inventor:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU26296
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka