Molecular Biomarkers for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of neurological disorders which appear during early childhood. CP is the most common motor disability affecting children worldwide. In addition, CP can cause a variety of symptoms including cognitive, visual and hearing complications. This disease is commonly diagnosed between ages 2-5, based on clinical observation and motor skill development analysis. Here, we used neonatal blood spots to investigate gene expression of two target genes – S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9) and ectonuclease triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (ENTPD1) – which we previously found to be differentially-expressed between CP children and those without CP. These genes could potentially serve as biomarkers to diagnose CP just after birth, allowing CP children to have early intervention and treatment to better their chances of overcoming development or learning disabilities