Abstract
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting an
estimated 7 million people worldwide. Current diagnostic
procedures rely on observations of late-stage motor symptoms,
meaning delays and misdiagnoses occur. For individuals, this
means therapies which delay the severity of Parkinson’s Disease
may not begin until physical symptoms are present.
Our project, ‘muninn’, investigated the use of biosensors to
detect pre-motor symptom biomarkers associated with Parkinson’s
Disease and how early diagnosis may impact patient health. The
project development was informed by patient groups, health
professionals and diagnosticians, resulting in a suite of
biosensors targeting biomarkers found in clinical samples. We
investigated CRISPR SHERLOCK system for detection of a
Parkinson’s Disease-specific mRNA biomarker, and biosensors for
the detection of glutathione and eicosane to increase confidence
in an indicative diagnosis. By integrating feedback from
clinicians and charities, ‘muninn’ aims to provide a foundation
for developing diagnostic procedures for early-stage Parkinson’s
Disease.
