Validation of salivary heme oxygenase-1 as a biomarker of idiopathic Parkinson disease

The diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the developed world, is based entirely on clinical criteria which are labour-intensive to apply and often inconclusive. Based on promising initial data from our laboratory, we will determine whether biochemical measurement of the enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in saliva samples distinguishes PD from normal control subjects and persons with other neurological disorders. Positive results would address an unmet clinical need by allowing rapid and accurate diagnosis of this condition and possibly monitoring of effective disease-modifying medications as they become available. A saliva-based test would be commercially competitive and offer important advantages over other bodily fluid samples (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) and brain imaging techniques because collection and analysis of saliva is non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and would not require advanced training of personnel.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ana Velly

Student:

Partner:

HemOx Biotechnologies Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: