Theme 2: Biomarker Discovery for Sarcopenia Onset and Progression

Developing new ways to detect sarcopenia earlier, understand its different forms, and monitor its progression.

Theme Lead: Professor Han Weiping, IMCB

Co-Leads: Professor Paul MacAry, NUS

Detecting Sarcopenia Earlier

Sarcopenia develops gradually, with changes in the molecules and metabolism of our muscles occurring as the disease progresses. Yet there are currently no definitive molecular biomarkers that can be routinely used to diagnose sarcopenia or predict its progression.

Building on discoveries from Theme 1, Theme 2 aims to identify measurable biological signals, or biomarkers, that could enable earlier detection, distinguish between different forms of sarcopenia, and monitor how the disease changes over time.

Finding the Signals in Blood and Beyond

Using blood samples from the MAGNET sarcopenia cohorts, researchers will investigate whether changes occurring within muscle leave detectable signals in the blood.

The team will focus particularly on changes in energy and nutrient metabolism, as well as inflammation and the immune system, to identify biomarkers associated with different stages of sarcopenia.

Alongside blood-based biomarkers, Theme 2 will also explore advanced imaging approaches that could help detect sarcopenia earlier and distinguish between different groups of patients.

Blood Biomarkers

Identifying measurable molecular signals associated with sarcopenia.

Metabolic & Immune Signals

Understanding changes in energy metabolism, nutrients and inflammation.

Advanced Imaging

Exploring new ways to detect and differentiate sarcopenia through imaging.

From Discovery to Diagnosis

Promising biomarkers and imaging approaches will be evaluated in clinical studies and preclinical models to determine their potential for detecting and monitoring sarcopenia.

The strongest candidates will then be further validated and implemented through Theme 4, bringing MAGNET closer to practical tools for earlier diagnosis, patient classification and disease monitoring.