Biomarkers articles from across Nature Portfolio

A biomarker is a biological characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological or pathological processes, or a response to a therapeutic intervention. Examples include patterns of gene expression, levels of a particular protein in body fluids, or changes in electrical activity in the brain.

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  • News & Views |

    α-Synuclein seeds have been identified in various tissues in patients with synucleinopathies. We have developed real-time quaking-induced conversion combined with immunoprecipitation, a method that enables the detection of α-synuclein seeds from the serum of patients with synucleinopathies. This method can lay the foundation for the biological diagnosis of synucleinopathies.

    Nature Medicine, 1-2

  • Comments & Opinion
    | Open Access

    Despite recent advances in breast cancer research, we still know little about the mechanisms that lead to metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, treatment options for patients have increased based on results of recent randomized clinical trials in this setting. Today we have much hope, yet many questions remain unanswered. Conducting a fully academic and international study such as AURORA is very challenging, yet ever more crucial to advancing knowledge about MBC.

    • Carmela Caballero
    • , Alexandre Irrthum
    •  & Martine Piccart
    npj Breast Cancer 9, 42

  • News & Views |

    Quantification of tau peptides in blood samples using a new mass spectrometry method suggests that individual phosphorylated tau peptides have distinct patterns of emergence in Alzheimer’s disease and differential associations with amyloid and tau pathologies. This method has the potential to stage patients along the disease continuum and for clinical trials.

    Nature Aging, 1-2

  • Editorial
    | Open Access

    Digital health technologies (DHTs) have brought several significant improvements to clinical trials, enabling real-world data collection outside of the traditional clinical context and more patient-centered approaches. DHTs, such as wearables, allow the collection of unique personal data at home over a long period. But DHTs also bring challenges, such as digital endpoint harmonization and disadvantaging populations already experiencing the digital divide. A recent study explored the growth trends and implications of established and novel DHTs in neurology trials over the past decade. Here, we discuss the benefits and future challenges of DHT usage in clinical trials.

    • Mirja Mittermaier
    • , Kaushik P. Venkatesh
    •  & Joseph C. Kvedar
    npj Digital Medicine 6, 88
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