Mapping Alzheimer's Molecular Pathologies in Large-Scale Connectomics Data: A Publicly Accessible Correlative...

Connectomics using volume-electron-microscopy enables mapping and analysis of neuronal networks, revealing insights into neural circuit function and dysfunction. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), where amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated-Tau (pTau) are implicated, connectomics offers an approach to unravel how these molecules contribute to circuit alterations by enabling the study of these molecules within the context of the complete local neuronal and glial milieu. We present a volumetric-correlated-light-and-electron microscopy (vCLEM) protocol using fluorescent nanobodies to localize Aβ and pTau within a large-scale connectomics dataset from the hippocampus of the 3xTg AD mouse model. A key outcome of this work is a publicly accessible vCLEM dataset, featuring fluorescent labeling of Aβ and pTau in the ultrastructural context with segmented neurons, glia, and synapses. This dataset provides a unique resource for exploring AD pathology in the context of connectomics and fosters collaborative opportunities in neurodegenerative disease research. As a proof-of-principle, we uncovered new localizations of Aβ and pTau, including pTau-positive spine-like protrusions at the axon initial segment and changes in the number and size of synapses near Aβ plaques. Our vCLEM approach facilitates the discovery of both molecular and structural alterations within large-scale EM data, advancing connectomics research in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.