6 replies to this topic

[Bela]

Hello everybody,

I have a very basic question for all of you. I know that a Biomarker is the lab measurement of any biochemical whose activity correlates with the progression of a disease. I have come across the terminology "Marker" in various papers. With this I don't mean DNA or genetic markers. Could anyone pls explain to me me the difference between a Marker and a Biomarker at protein level?

Thanks in advance.

[bob1]

Essentially there is no difference that I am aware of.  Biomarker is one of the recent terminologies that people have adopted as it sounds more fancy, and is hence more marketable to lay people as something important.

[Lapsang]

Yes, I would agree.

You could probably say that all biomarkers are markers, but not all markers are biomarkers

[bob1]

[nerdiness] Yay, Venn diagrams [/nerdiness]

[Bela]

Lapsang, on 29 July 2010 - 03:12 AM, said:

You could probably say that all biomarkers are markers, but not all markers are biomarkers

And y would you say that? On what basis? Could you pls explain?

[newborn]

Bela, on 29 July 2010 - 11:13 PM, said:

Lapsang, on 29 July 2010 - 03:12 AM, said:

You could probably say that all biomarkers are markers, but not all markers are biomarkers

And y would you say that? On what basis? Could you pls explain?

Marker can be non-bio-material such as age, clinical signs.

[Inmost sun]

I suppose that the term "biomarker" is to be seen in the context of complex biological systems, diagnostic or monitoring of therapy; the term "marker" could mean anything and should be clear from the context

Edited by Inmost sun, 05 August 2010 - 12:09 PM.