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.

Grant Number: 5P30AG072959-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Lynn Bekris