29.08.2024

Researchers at the Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, have discovered a biomarker that can predict the risk of nerve disease during tuberculosis therapy.

The biomarker, Suprabasin (SBSN), was identified by transcriptome analysis and validated in an independent group of patients. This discovery could improve treatment safety for tuberculosis patients in the long term.

Image: A close-up of a tube for a tuberculosis test in the laboratory

The biomarker represents a first step towards personalized treatment of tuberculosis.

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Background: Tuberculosis and side effects of therapy

Every year, around 410,000 people worldwide fall ill with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. During treatment, around 25 percent of patients experience undesirable side effects, in particular nerve disorders such as peripheral neuropathy or optic neuropathy. These side effects, which are associated with the use of linezolid, can significantly impair quality of life and jeopardize the success of treatment.

The team led by Dr. Maja Reimann from the Research Center Borstel has now developed an approach that can predict the risk of these linezolid-associated nerve disorders even before the start of therapy. The research focuses on the use of transcriptome analyses to identify potential biomarkers that correlate with the occurrence of side effects.

Transcriptome analysis as a basis for prediction

Dr. Maja Reimann and her team analyzed blood samples from people affected by the disease, which have been collected since 2015 as part of studies conducted by the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). The aim was to identify genes that were already significantly upregulated or downregulated in patients with Linezolid-associated neuropathies before the start of treatment. This systems biology data was then further processed using machine learning to isolate meaningful biomarkers.

Suprabasin as a biomarker for nerve diseases

The team was able to identify the molecule suprabasin (SBSN) as a potential biomarker that can predict the risk of nerve disease during tuberculosis therapy. The biomarker was then tested in an independent cohort of TB patients, in which the occurrence of side effects could also be predicted.

Future of research and clinical relevance

Although the predictive accuracy of Suprabasin still needs to be optimized, this biomarker represents a first step towards personalized treatment of tuberculosis. The early identification of patients who have an increased risk of nerve diseases could make it possible in future to adapt therapies individually and minimize side effects. The results of the study were published in the journal Pathogens & Immunity.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center (FZB)

More about the Research Center Borstel at: https: www.fz-borstel.de/en/