Biomarkers in neurodegenerative and malignant processes

The main goal is finding a reliable in vivo biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of the therapeutic response in neurodegeneration and cancer. This translational research will include 7 institutions (academia, institutes, clinics) and experts of different profiles (biologists, physical chemists, doctors) as well as young researchers and international partners. It consists of 3 inter-related sub-projects: 1)experimental markers - basic study of molecular and cellular indicators of pathogenesis mechanisms, 2) preclinical markers - MRI and EPR study of endogenous (free radicals and metals) and exogenous (contrasting cellular nano-probes) markers in animal models, and 3) clinical markers - MRI study of selected biomarkers in patients supported by ex vivo EPR. In vitro and in vivo studies will translate towards the diagnostics of ALS, Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, neural tumors and breast cancer. Basic research will deal with the mechanisms of inflammation and ischemia, ions and free radicals as markers in pathogenesis, metabolic status and organization of cellular organelles and correlation of neuropathology and malignancy. The preclinical phase will contribute to the understanding of markers of oxidative status and the role of free radicals, particularly the degree of infiltration of macrophages/microglia and lymphocytes and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Clinical sub-project will determine the target MRI markers and develop optimal acquisition protocols.