Intercellular signaling and synaptic deconstruction uncovered by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics in an AD tauopathy model.

ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in elderly individuals worldwide; however, all mechanisms leading to disease onset and progression are not well understood. Here, we report brain single-cell multiome and spatial transcriptomics in a transgenic rat model of human-like tauopathy. We have identified new markers of tau-driven AD pathology and provided single-cell evidence for genes implicated in AD. Our findings reveal how tau hyperphosphorylation and aging alter ligand-receptor communication, transcription factor regulatory networks, and specific cellular networks. Notably, we found intriguing changes in cell communication involving glutamatergic transmission and Netrin signaling as a taupathy consequence. Overall, this study reinforces the concept that synaptic dysfunction is a critical early event in AD and highlights potential targets as potential therapeutic strategies.

SUBMITTER: Ji JX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12623948 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature