Association of microbiota-derived propionic acid and Alzheimer's disease; bioinformatics analysis

Morteza Aliashrafi1,2, Mohammad Nasehi1,3, Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast1,4,5

  • 1Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

Propionic acid (PPA), a metabolite from gut bacteria, may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by influencing genes involved in neuronal cell death. Further research is needed to confirm PPA's role in AD pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Microbiota-derived metabolites can impact brain health and neurodegeneration.
  • Propionic acid (PPA) is a metabolite produced by gut bacteria.
  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genes associated with both Propionic acid (PPA) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • To elucidate the potential role of PPA in the pathogenesis of AD.

Main Methods:

  • Gene association analysis using database searches.
  • Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analysis.
  • Network analysis including hub, bottleneck, and seed gene identification.

Main Results:

  • Identified 284 shared genes between PPA and AD.
  • These genes are implicated in cancer, infections, and neurological diseases.
  • Key pathways include amyloid formation, apoptosis, inflammation, and immune response.
  • ICAM1 and CCND1 identified as crucial hub, bottleneck, and seed genes.

Conclusions:

  • Genes interacting with PPA in AD are linked to pathways initiating neuronal cell death.
  • Evidence suggests PPA from bacteria may alter brain function, contributing to AD.
  • Further animal model studies are required to validate these findings.