Biomarkers can be proteins or other intracellular components, physiologic, or imaging findings that relate specifically to an injury or disease that is occurring. Biomarkers are by definition objective and quantifiable characteristics of biological processes.
Banyan Biomarkers has identified two protein biomarkers, Ubiquitin C- terminal Hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), that are detectable in the blood shortly after TBI. UCH-L1 is primarily found in neurons and is involved in cellular protein regulation. GFAP is a member of the intermediate filament family of cytoskeletal proteins which form polymeric networks that provide structural support to glia, which support and nourish cells in the brain. Banyan Biomarkers believes that accurate diagnosis of TBI in acute care environments could significantly simplify decisions about patient management and improve medical care.