BBRC researchers contribute to landmark Springer Volume on biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders

Several researchers from the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (BBRC) have contributed to a new Springer book, “Biomarkers of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Current Progress and Future Directions”, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art reference on the biological markers that are transforming the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The volume brings together leading international experts to present current knowledge on fluid and imaging biomarkers, their role in understanding disease mechanisms, and their growing importance in clinical trials and precision medicine. The book highlights advances across amyloid, tau, and synuclein pathology; vascular, neuronal, and synaptic injury; glial reactivity; multi-omics approaches; and the integration of biomarkers into drug development pipelines.

BBRC contributions to the book

Glial reactivity biomarkers 

Dr. Marc Suárez-Calvet, group leader of the Fluid Biomarkers and Translational Neurology research group, authored the chapter “Fluid and Imaging Markers of Glial Reactivity.” This chapter examines the expanding field of biomarkers reflecting microglial and astrocytic activation, both processes increasingly recognised as central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Focusing on key markers retated to microglia and astrocytes, the chapter outlines how these proteins capture distinct aspects of the glial response, which evolves dynamically with disease stage, ageing, and environmental influences. It also highlights advances in PET imaging of glial activation and underscores the need for a diverse panel of biomarkers to fully characterise glial biology.

Dr. Suárez-Calvet discusses the potential of glial biomarkers to serve prognostic and predictive purposes, support therapeutic monitoring, and guide drug development.

Genomics and transcriptomics of Alzheimer's 

BBRC Researchers, Dr. Natàlia Vilor-Tejedor, Dr. Blanca Rodriguez-Fernandez, Patricia Genius, Dr. Federica Anastasi, Dr. Tavia E. Evans, and Dr. Arcadi Navarro, together with International partners from Alzheimer's disease data initiative (ADDI), and Europad, co-authored the chapter “Genomics and Transcriptomics of Alzheimer Disease.”

Their contribution synthesises major advances in genetic and transcriptomic research of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors emphasise the power of integrative multi-omics approaches, and neuroimaging to map the heterogeneous molecular landscape of AD. They also call for increased diversity in molecular studies, more research on gene–environment interactions, and improved data-sharing frameworks to accelerate precision medicine in dementia.

Standardization of biomarker measurements 

Dr. Marta del Campo and Javier Torres-Torrenteras, from the Fluid Biomarkers Facility at the BBRC, together with researchers from Amsterdam Univertity Medical Center led the chapter “Impact of Pre-analytical Factors on Fluid Biomarker Measurements in Alzheimer Disease.”. This chapter addresses a critical challenge in implementing cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers in clinical practice: the need for reliable and reproducible measurements across centers worldwide.

Their work reviews how pre-analytical factors (spanning sample collection, processing, and storage) influence the measurement of key biomarkers. The chapter compiles current consensus recommendations and standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for both CSF and plasma AD biomarkers, and examines the impact of pre-analytical conditions on proteomic discovery platforms.

The authors also highlight ongoing international initiatives working toward global standardization of biomarker assessment, a crucial step for the widespread clinical adoption of biological diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease.

Strengthening BBRC’s role in global dementia research

The participation of BBRC scientists in this influential volume underscores the center’s leadership in biomarker research and its contributions to advancing early detection, mechanistic understanding, and therapeutic development in Alzheimer’s disease.

The book Fluid and Imaging Biomarkers of Neurodegenerative Diseases is available here.