sFIDA Technology Reveals New Insights into Protein Aggregation in Psychotic Disorders
In a pioneering study that could have wide-reaching implications for psychiatric research, scientists have employed attyloid’s surface-based Fluorescence Intensity Distribution Analysis (sFIDA) technology to investigate the role of Disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) protein aggregates in psychosis. The study revealed a significant increase in DISC1 protein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis, as compared to healthy controls.
While biomarkers are not typically used in the diagnosis or treatment of psychiatric disorders, the discovery suggests the potential of protein aggregates as diagnostic markers for conditions like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The sFIDA technology was critical in quantifying these aggregates, even at low femtomolar concentrations. This study represents a milestone in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind psychiatric conditions. Further, our work emphasizes the potential use of biomarkers in psychiatric disorders.