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Pathogenesis, therapeutic strategies and biomarker development based on "omics" analysis related to microglia in
Chao Gao1, Xin Shen1, Yuyan Tan2
1Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. Among various pathophysiological aspects, microglia are considered to play important roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) showed that the majority of AD risk genes are highly or exclusively expressed in microglia, underscoring the critical roles of microglia in AD pathogenesis. Recently, omics technologies have greatly advanced our knowledge of microglia biology in AD. Omics approaches, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics/lipidomics, present remarkable opportunities to delineate the underlying mechanisms, discover novel diagnostic biomarkers, monitor disease progression, and shape therapeutic strategies for diseases. In this review, we summarized research based on microglial "omics" analysis in AD, especially the recent research advances in the identification of AD-associated microglial subsets. This review reinforces the important role of microglia in AD and advances our understanding of the mechanism of microglia in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we proposed the value of microglia-based omics in the development of therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for AD.
Insights
Microglia play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Microglial omics analysis offers new insights into AD mechanisms, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, with microglia implicated in its pathogenesis.
- Genome-wide association studies highlight the significance of microglial genes in AD risk.
- Omics technologies are revolutionizing our understanding of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in microglial omics research for Alzheimer's disease.
- To highlight the identification of AD-associated microglial subsets.
- To emphasize the potential of omics approaches for AD biomarker and therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of studies utilizing genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics/lipidomics in AD research.
- Focus on studies investigating microglial subsets and their roles in AD pathogenesis.
- Synthesis of findings from diverse omics datasets.
Main Results:
- Omics technologies have significantly advanced the understanding of microglia biology in AD.
- Identification of distinct AD-associated microglial subsets provides new mechanistic insights.
- Microglia are confirmed as central players in AD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Microglial omics analysis is crucial for elucidating AD mechanisms.
- These approaches hold promise for discovering novel diagnostic biomarkers for AD.
- Targeting microglia based on omics data may lead to effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
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