Biomarker Core (BC)
Overview
The Biomarker Core (BMC) will receive buffy coat, plasma, and PAXgene RNA from all participating sites. We will process blood samples and store DNA, RNA and plasma. We will generate COVID-19 seroprevalence for all samples, as well as AD and inflammation biomarkers that will be shared with the projects via the DM&SC and the Bioinformatics Core. All blood biomarker data will be generated in a longitudinal manner to identify changes in well-known Alzheimer’s biomarkers (Aβ, p-tau, NFL) and inflammatory biomarkers associated with aging and dementia. This data will be instrumental to understanding the relationship between COVID-19, memory decline, and inflammation. We will distribute samples for those requests approved by the Scientific Administrative Committee (SAC).
Participating Institutions
- University of Washington (St. Louis, MO)
- UT Health SA (San Antonio, TX and Laredo, TX)
- FULTRA (Jujuy, Argentina)
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, NY)
- University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
- University of Ibadan (Ibadan, Nigeria)
- University of Miami (NIAGADS)
- University of Pennsylvania (NIAGADS)
- University of Pennsylvania (GCAD)
- University of California at Irvine
- University of Indiana (NCRAD)
Core Leadership
- Dr. Carlos Cruchaga – University of Washington
- Ms. Mindy Katz – Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Dr. Heather Snyder – The Alzheimer’s Association
- Dr. Tiffany Kautz – UT Health San Antonio
Data and Resource Sharing
The AC oversees sharing study resources with external investigators, promoting collaborations. Resource transfer agreements are managed through the Data Management & Statistics Core and deposited in NIH-maintained repositories, including NACC, NCRAD, and NIAGADS.