Multi-omics reveals changes in astrocyte fatty acid metabolism during early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND

Although astrocytes are known to contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression, their dynamic molecular alterations remain poorly characterized, particularly in early stages of the disease.

METHODS

We performed multi-omics profiling (transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial metabolomics) of astrocytes from APP/PS1 and WT mice to characterize dynamic changes during AD progression. To assess similar changes in early human AD, we analyzed single-nucleus RNA sequencing data from human samples.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis of astrocytes from APP/PS1 and WT mice at five time points (2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age) showed notable gene expression differences at 6 months, with reduced activity in fatty acid metabolism pathways (e.g., PPAR signaling, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids). An astrocyte-specific metabolic model confirmed these disruptions. Proteomic analysis corroborated this by showing decreased activity in pathways like butanoate metabolism and PPAR signaling. Spatial metabolomics of brain slices from APP/PS1 and WT mice highlighted fatty acid enrichment in the hippocampus and cortex, alongside differential metabolites specific to the AD mouse model. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of human brain samples further showed fatty acid metabolism abnormalities in astrocytes from early AD cases versus controls, emphasizing its role in AD progression.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified abnormal fatty acid metabolism as an early feature of astrocytes in AD, suggesting an association between dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and disease progression.