# Biomarker Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2021 · $345,182

## Abstract

BIOMARKER CORE PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The ability to study Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders has been revolutionized by the development
and application of in vivo biomarkers. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), positron emission tomography
(PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow operational measurement of amyloid, tau, and
neurodegeneration (A/T/N), the major pathophysiological changes that define AD. Moreover, improved
sensitivity and specificity of instrumentation applied to biofluid data, of neuroimaging protocols, and of analytic
approaches both enable and necessitate the development, refinement, and discovery of novel biomarkers in any
comprehensive AD research program. The Columbia University ADRC Biomarker Core embraces these theme
and will derive standard biofluid and MRI biomarkers for all ADRC participants; serve as a central hub for human
biofluid, PET, and MRI-based biomarker research conducted within the cognitive aging and dementia community
at Columbia University; develop and implement novel biomarkers; and provide training opportunities for
investigators interested in incorporating AD-related biomarkers into their research.
The Biomarker Core leverages unique data sources, infrastructural, and intellectual strengths already in place
and comprises a team of close-collaborating investigators instrumental to the majority of ongoing AD biomarker
studies at Columbia University. The Biomarker Core will analyze research grade MRI scans acquired from
harmonized clinical scans, from ongoing studies, or de novo for neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular
markers. The Core features a newly-acquired single molecule array (Simoa) Benchtop Multiplexed Biomarker
Detection Analyzer and Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) platform for analysis of CSF and blood and development
of novel biomarkers. These resources will be used to derive existing blood- and CSF-based biomarkers and to
develop novel ones. The deep biomarker characterization of all ADRC participants and close interaction with
the other Cores will increase understanding of disease etiology and heterogeneity. The Biomarker Core has the
following aims: 1) To harmonize, bank, and disseminate fluid and neuroimaging biomarker data derived from
participants enrolled by the Clinical Core; 2) To quantitate biofluid biomarkers and MRI markers of
neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular disease, according to the A/T/N classification scheme; 3) To develop,
optimize, and implement biomarkers of the three thematic biological pathways: immune response, cholesterol
metabolism, and endosomal trafficking; 4) To provide intellectual, analytic, and infrastructural support to local
investigators interested in incorporating blood-based, CSF, MRI, and PET imaging biomarkers into their
Alzheimer’s-related research programs; and 5) To provide training and training opportunities for the next
generation of diverse scientists interested in incorporating biomarkers into the study of cognitive aging an...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10187490
- **Project number:** 5P30AG066462-02
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** ADAM M BRICKMAN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $345,182
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-06-15 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10187490

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10187490, Biomarker Core (5P30AG066462-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10187490. Licensed CC0.

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