Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions, reagents and methods for detecting and treating a neural tube defect in a fetus. One aspect of the invention provides a method including administrating a composition containing noggin or LDN-193189 to the fetus in utero. In certain embodiments, the composition is administrated if the maternal blood or amniotic fluid contains an elevated amount of BMP4 and/or a reduced amount of noggin. In another aspect of the invention, the method includes administrating a composition containing GDC-0449 to the fetus in utero. In certain embodiments, the GDC-0449 is administrated if the maternal blood or amniotic fluid contains an elevated amount of sonic hedgehog.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of detecting and profiling progression of the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in a subject. In one embodiment, the method includes isolating a stem cell from cerebrospinal fluid of the subject and determining the level of H3K27 methylation within the stem cell. The subject is determined to have an increased risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease if the level of H3K27 methylation is elevated. In various embodiments, the neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.