AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers (Continued)

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AD Biomarkers: Key Biomarkers (Continued)

  • IRS-1 (Insulin Receptor Substrate 1):
Research studies from the National Institute on Aging have recently identified a potential biomarker protein in the brain called insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) that may be able to signal the earliest stages of AD. IRS-1 is a protein that helps to facilitate insulin signals to the brain. In patients with insulin resistance, there is a diminished glucose uptake into cells which can result in type-2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, AD patients with insulin resistance have diminished glucose uptake in regions of the brain. Research has shown that insulin resistance can be the result of low insulin receptor signaling due to the abnormal functioning of the IRS-1 protein.
A blood assay to detect the IRS-1 protein has recently been developed and studied. Studies have shown that individuals with AD may have higher blood levels of the inactive form of IRS-1 protein and decreased levels of the active form of IRS-1 protein. At present, the IRS-1 test is still being clinically validated and is not yet available commercially. Since clinical and analytical research on the IRS-1 test is ongoing, it is premature at this time to draw any conclusions regarding insulin-resistant diabetes and the risk of AD.
Image: The image on this page depicts the structure of IRS-1 protein. Research has shown that insulin resistance can be the result of low insulin receptor signaling due to abnormal functioning of the IRS-1 protein, which may signal the earliest stages of AD.