Mayo Clinic Laboratories is leading an evolution in neurology testing. Propelled by ongoing discoveries of clinically relevant biomarkers, our laboratory scientists integrate research findings into test development and implementation. Collaboration between our labs and the clinical practice at Mayo Clinic supports development of clinically validated testing that delivers actionable answers for patients.
“The ability of Mayo Clinic to make discoveries and translate these into solutions for our patients is critical to our mission.”
John Mills, Ph.D., co-director, Neuroimmunology Laboratory
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In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s disease testing and treatment.
Antibodies to aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are recently described biomarkers seen in a subset of atypical optic neuritis which have revolutionized our understanding of the condition. In this “Hot Topic,” my colleague, Dr. John Chen, will review these advances and how they impact the clinical care of our patients with optic neuritis.
The standard test for the diagnosis of narcolepsy is the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). The MSLT is a complex test to perform as well as to interpret. The orexin-A/hypocretin-1 test is a sensitive and specific alternative to the MSLT to diagnose type 1 narcolepsy.
The diagnosis of mitochondrial disease can be particularly challenging as the presentation can occur at any age, involve virtually any organ system, and be associated with widely varying severities. Due to the considerable overlap in the clinical phenotypes of various mitochondrial disorders, it is often difficult to distinguish these specific inherited disorders without genetic testing.
"This study offers hope to patients, since each attack in NMO can cause loss of visual or motor function," says Sean Pittock, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and first author.
Autoimmune neurological disorders can often be treated, sometimes with full restoration of function. However, because the symptoms mimic other conditions, autoimmune neurological disorders are frequently misdiagnosed, resulting in an irreversible loss of function.
This “Specialty Testing” webinar will discuss the diagnosis, pathological understanding, and current best treatment options for necrotizing autoimmune myopathy.
A movement disorder might be caused by the body’s immune system, which is meant to fight infections, suddenly attacking the brain. Fortunately, an “autoimmune movement disorder” can often be treated—once its cause is discovered.
Mayo Clinic researchers report that spinal cord inflammation associated with an antibody to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein can mimic acute flaccid myelitis, a rare but serious disease linked to certain viruses that particularly affects children and can result in paralysis.
Sean Pittock, M.D., and Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., were featured in a Post Bulletin series about autoimmune neurology disorders and the research and services that Mayo Clinic offers patients.
This week’s Research Roundup highlights the association of apolipoprotein E ε4 with transactive response DNA-binding protein 43.
For patients who have been diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, Mayo researchers have found a direct correlation between a specific antibody, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein—also known as MOG, and an increased risk of recurring attacks in these individuals.
Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) is a serious but rare muscle disease strongly associated with autoantibodies to either the protein signal recognition particle (SRP) or the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). NAM typically manifests with subacute proximal limb muscle weakness and persistently elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, but slower onsets can occur and complicate diagnosis.