Biomarker Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The mission of the Biomarker Core (BC) is to support Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD) research projects by collecting, storing, tracking, sharing, and analyzing biospecimens and associated clinical, genetic, and biomarker data. The collected clinical, genetic, and biomarker data on a

variety of human biospecimens will contribute to the understanding of AD/ADRD underlying heterogeneity by cataloging the onset, progression, and disease symptoms of participant biospecimens currently stored in the Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (CADRC) BC. This information will contribute to improving

diagnosis in unique, understudied populations, as well as the population as a whole. Toward this mission, we previously established and integrated biospecimen collection and research collaborations between Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Systems, University Hospitals, and the Louis Stoke

Cleveland VA Medical Center. The aims of the BC are to 1) Facilitate research by leveraging and expanding the CADRC BC infrastructure and biospecimens linked with participant clinical data in the integrated database and continue to include longitudinal biospecimen collection, 2) Provide basic biomarker characterization to

facilitate AD/ADRD research, 3) Provide basic genetic characterization to facilitate AD/ADRD research, and 4) Distribute biospecimens to neurodegenerative disease consortiums and coordinating centers, as well as to internal and external investigators. Toward these aims, our team of experts will continue to contribute to

biospecimen collection for the CADRC. The establishment of the CADRC BC has provided an essential infrastructure to facilitate and integrate the independent projects of unique and understudied populations, such as African Americans, as well as understudied neurodegenerative disorders, including atypical AD and

dementia with Lewy bodies. Standard clinical data (the Uniform Data Set) from these diverse understudied populations will continue to be linked with generated biomarker and genetic data. Genetic and biomarker data linked to relevant clinical data in accordance with goals of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) are

shared with the scientific community including the Alzheimer's Disease Genetic Consortium (ADGC), National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC), and the National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage (NIAGADS). The already established CCLRCBH-Biobank and our highly trained personnel has

insured seamless creation of the CADRC BC. Importantly, the CADRC BC infrastructure is now in place to facilitate future innovative AD/ADRD research projects that enhances our understanding of the heterogeneity of AD/ADRD pathology.