Abstract: A method of detecting or diagnosing a neurodegenerative disease in a subject by an immunoassay is provided. The immunoassay comprises obtaining a sample from a subject and assaying the sample for the presence of autoantibodies against certain epitopes of heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein A1 (hnRNP A1). The presence of antibodies against a polypeptide or a fragment of polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, an epitope within the M9 shuttling sequence and/or an epitope within the RGG domain of hnRNP A1 indicate a neurodegenerative disease in the subject. Methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases are also provided. In one embodiment, the method of treating a neurodegenerative disease comprises administering, to a subject, a composition comprising hnRNP A1, fragments of the polypeptide and/or a polypeptide comprising epitopes within the M9 and/or RGG domains of hnRNP A1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting or diagnosing a neurodegenerative disease or condition in a subject. Further aspects of the invention provide a method of monitoring a subject over a period of time to detect the development or progress of a neurodegenerative disease or condition. Methods of treating, detecting or diagnosing a neurodegenerative disease or condition in a subject are also provided.