Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a protein fragment in blood that may help detect advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living patients.
The study, published in the medical journal JAMA Neurology, was presented at a scientific meeting in Japan.
Identifying the eMTBR-tau243 Biomarker
The research team, led by Kanta Horie and Chihiro Sato, focused on a tau protein fragment known as eMTBR-tau243. The study included 229 participants from several biorepositories, and samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry at the WashU Medicine Tracy Family SILQ Center’s mass spectrometry assay.
Researchers identified the fragment after observing that some patients with high levels of this biomarker did not have Alzheimer’s, but instead had advanced CTE.
“Our study shows that an Alzheimer's disease biomarker can be applied to other tauopathies, including CTE,” Sato said, as the team found that when testing blood samples from 11 individuals whose CTE was confirmed at autopsy, eMTBR-tau243 levels were higher than in healthy people and rose with the severity of the brain disease.
Preliminary Findings Require Validation and Cannot Serve as Standalone Diagnostics
Experts emphasize that the findings are preliminary and require validation through larger-scale studies before the test can be used in clinical practice. The biomarker is not intended to function as a standalone diagnostic tool, as it is also elevated in Alzheimer’s disease, which can occur alongside CTE.
This is not going to be a standalone biomarker. But if someone has a history of repeated head injury, tests negative for Alzheimer’s, and this biomarker comes up, it might be CTE.
Chihiro Sato, WashU assistant neurology professor
Dr. Rudolph Castellani, a neuropathologist at Northwestern University who was not involved in the study, described the results as “an interesting but very preliminary finding” that necessitates further research to establish a definitive clinical connection. Kanta Horie, the study’s co-senior author, expressed that his dream is to “clear tauopathies all over the world.”
Impact on Contact Sports and Future Research
Autopsies have confirmed CTE in over 350 NFL players, a group that includes Junior Seau, former MVP Frank Gifford, and Hall of Fame center Mike Webster. A group of living former rugby league and union athletes, such as England World Cup winner Steve Thompson, are currently pursuing legal action following their diagnoses of Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES). Boxer Ricky Hatton had a mild CTE diagnosis after his death.
To address these dangers, the Professional Footballers’ Association has suggested that a CTE prevention protocol should limit professionals to a maximum of 10 headers per week during training, while banning the practice entirely for children under 12.
Researchers hope that if large studies confirm their findings, clinicians could use such a blood test to monitor people at risk of CTE. This testing might enable trials of drugs that target the harmful brain protein.
We are potentially opening a new door for diagnosing and treating CTE in living patients.
Kanta Horie, co-senior author of the study
Readers should note that this test has not yet been validated for clinical diagnostic use. Those concerned about symptoms such as memory loss or mood swings related to head trauma should consult with qualified medical professionals for an appropriate evaluation.
Earlier coverage: Alzheimer's May Have Early Warning Signs Outside the Brain
