Identification of RNA markers associated with Parkinson's disease using multiplex gene expression analysis

Introduction. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, and the development of biomarkers is essential due to complicated PD diagnosis and progression assessment. 
Objective. To identify PD RNA markers by multiplex expression profiling of 760 genes associated with the main neuropathological processes. 
Materials and methods. We studied the expression of 760 genes associated with the main neuropathological processes using Nanostring nCounter Human Neuropathology Panel in 29 blood samples obtained from PD patients, including 13 samples from those in the early stage and 16 samples from those in the advanced stage, and in 16 control blood samples. 
Results. The comparison of gene expression in the patients with early PD and in the controls demonstrated differential expression of genes CDKN1A and CPT1B. The comparison of gene expression in the patients with advanced PD and in the controls showed LRP1 upregulation in the advanced PD group. We also revealed СPT1B upregulation in advanced disease, with a positive correlation between СPT1B expression and PD duration. 
Discussion. The variably expressed genes may be relevant as PD biomarkers for diagnosis and progression assessment.