Neurology 3-Plex A (A-beta-40, A-beta-42, Tau) - Simoa Assay - 96 tests

The Simoa Human Neurology 3-Plex A assay (N3PA) measures 3 major neurology biomarkers in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. The 3 targets are total tau, amyloid beta 1-42, and amyloid beta 1-40.

Tau is a microtubule-stabilising protein primarily localised in central nervous system neurons but also expressed at low levels in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Tau consists of six isoforms in the human brain with molecular weights of 48 to 67kDa, depending on isoform.

αβ40 are two proteolytic products from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Beta-secretase cleavage of APP initially results in the production of an APP fragment that is further cleaved by gamma-secretase at residues 40 or 42 to generate two main forms of amyloid beta, αβ40. Amyloid beta (αβ peptides (including a shorter α38 isoform) are produced by different cell types in the body, but the expression is particularly high in the brain.

Tau and αβ related pathologies have been the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. CSF and blood tau and amyloid have been tested and monitored as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders.