Molecular Diagnostics In collaboration with physicians at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Western Michgian University, Genemarkers is carrying out gene expression analysis of blood samples from patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). MSA is an aggressive neurodegenerative disease with symptoms of Parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and autonomic dysfunction. The goals of this project are to: Identify MSA-specific, blood based biomarkers for development of a non-invasive, diagnostic test. There is currently no diagnostic test for the disease and patients typically spend 2-5 years trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Clinicians make the diagnosis as the disease progresses and symptoms worsen. A definite diagnosis is made by post-mortem analysis of brain tissues. A definitive, molecular-based diagnostic test would greatly improve the current status for patients, caregivers and clinicians. The research has been greatly supported by the National MSA Support Group members. Elucidate the underlying biological/molecular mechanisms related to the cause or progression of clinical symptoms in order to identify novel targets for drug discovery and therapeutic intervention. This work is currently being supported by fundraising efforts from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2009 Super Bowl Champions! Genemarkers welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with academic researchers, biotechnology or pharmaceutical partners pursuing molecular diagnostic or pharmacogenomic initiatives for other diseases.