passages.id: split_9_validation_977_passage
passages.type: progene_text
passages.text: The aim of this study was to analyse the conformational and linear epitope profiles of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody ( GAD65 - ab ) - positive sera to find disease - specific epitope profiles and to study , whether GAD65 - ab epitope recognition changes or spreads during the prediabetic period and , thus , can provide markers to differentiate early from later stages of progression to diabetes .