Grand Rounds: Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Dr. Violaine Harris spoke at Grand Rounds this week. Her topic was on 'Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in MS'. There is an urgent need for biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to better predict and evaluate disease progression. We have focused on the discovery of soluble proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which have the potential as biomarkers for progressive MS and therapeutic response. Using a proteomic approach, we have discovered and validated a number of novel biomarkers in the CSF of MS patients. One of these proteins, called Bri2-23, was found to be a potential to be a biomarker for cerebellar dysfunction and cognition impairment, and may play a direct role in neuronal function in the cerebellum.  Another protein, called Fetuin-A, was found to be a biomarker of active disease as well as therapeutic response to natalizumab. Studies in experimental animal models has elucidated a potential role of Fetuin-A in promoting pro-inflammatory disease mechanisms. Finally, screening for new biomarkers of therapeutic response to progressive MS therapies such as intrathecal methotrexate has identified potential therapeutic mechanisms of this drug in the CNS. Overall, CSF biomarker research has yielded several insights into the mechanisms of disease in MS.