Cell-Free DNA, a Noninvasive Biomarker for Prediction and Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases, New Insights, and Perspectives

Neurodegenerative diseases pose serious threats to public health worldwide. Biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders are essential to enhance the diagnostic process in clinical settings and to aid in the creation and assessment of effective disease-modifying treatments. In recent times, affordable and readily available blood-based biomarkers identifying the same neurodegenerative disease pathologies have been created, potentially transforming the diagnostic approach for these disorders worldwide. Emerging relevant biomarkers for α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson's disease include blood-based indicators of overall neurodegeneration and glial activation. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), an encouraging non-invasive biomarker commonly utilized in oncology and pregnancy, has demonstrated significant potential in clinical uses for diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders. In this section, we explore the latest cfDNA studies related to neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, we present a perspective on the possible role of cfDNA as a diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic indicator for neurodegenerative disorders. This review provides a summary of the most recent progress in biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury.