In the second part of our discussion with Dr. Anne Naclerio, we explore the burgeoning field of biomarkers and their transformative potential in the diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), particularly within military and sports populations. The limitations of current, often subjective, diagnostic methods highlight the urgent need for more objective tools, and biomarkers offer a promising solution. 

“The promise of biomarkers lies in their ability to detect biological changes indicative of injury at a molecular level; we’re focused on injuries that do not appear on imaging but would benefit from interventions, an area of advancement that’s much needed,” Dr. Naclerio explains. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could do a quick blood draw and have a marker that tells us about something happening in the brain?” This simple yet profound concept underscores the potential for faster, more accessible, and more accurate diagnostics.

This could revolutionize how we identify and understand TBI, especially mTBI, which often goes undiagnosed or is underestimated using current methods. Dr. Naclerio highlights the ongoing research at Polaris Genomics, focusing on “genomic markers in the blood or saliva to identify these injuries,” including DNA, RNA, and proteins.

One impactful aspect of Polaris Genomics’ TBI-focused efforts is its collaboration with the Canadian Department of Defense. This longitudinal study focuses on the impact of blast exposure, a unique type of brain injury distinct from blunt trauma. “Blast exposure, even without direct head impact, can send shockwaves through the brain, potentially causing injury,” Dr. Naclerio elaborates. The study aims to understand the effects of single and repetitive low-level blast exposures, which are common in specific military roles like breaching.

This collaboration is unique due to its longitudinal nature, tracking service members over time through their training and deployment. By examining various biomarkers in DNA, RNA, and proteins, the research seeks to identify the most sensitive and specific indicators of blast-related brain injury. Dr. Naclerio envisions the outcomes of this research having significant implications for occupational health, potentially leading to screening tools similar to those used for radiation exposure or hearing loss in other professions. “I see this as being along those same lines, a way to see if this repetitive exposure is affecting you,” she states.

Beyond blast injuries, Polaris Genomics is also actively involved in research related to sports-related concussions, partnering with universities like George Mason University and the University of Virginia. This work focuses on developing sideline diagnostics to help determine in real-time whether an athlete has sustained a significant brain injury and should be removed from play. “We’re working with those university partners to help get sideline diagnostics that could immediately say no, this player should be taken out and given a break so that they don’t have repetitive injury,” Dr. Naclerio emphasizes, highlighting the critical importance of preventing secondary injuries.

Polaris Genomics distinguishes itself through its multi-modal approach, particularly its proprietary ADAPT Panel™, which focuses on RNA analysis. Dr. Naclerio explains the significance of RNA: “It’s the middle step between DNA and protein, and it changes more rapidly, making it a good measure of what’s happening in the body right now.” The ADAPT Panel™ targets over a thousand markers directly involved in neuroregulation and neurological injury, offering a more focused and potentially more sensitive approach than broad genomic analyses. This targeted approach sets Polaris Genomics apart in the quest for clinically actionable diagnostic tools for TBI.

Thank you for joining us for part two of this mini-series exploring the evolving landscape of TBI research and the potential of biomarker insights. If you want to partner with us or explore investment opportunities, please reach out. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of biomarker-based research and transform brain injury care.