Gut microbiota may affect Alzheimer's disease through synaptic function mediated by CAMs pathway: A study combining...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Genetics

Background:

• The relationship between gut microbiota and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
• Investigating specific microbial contributions to AD is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a causal link between gut microbes and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
• To explore the pathogenic roles of specific microbes in AD development.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization analyses were employed to identify causal relationships between gut microbes and AD.
• Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks identified key hub genes.
• Functional enrichment analysis elucidated theoretical pathogenesis pathways.

Main Results:

• Thirty-two microbes showed significant associations with AD.
• DLGAP2, NRXN3, NEGR1, NTNAP2, MYH9, and SCN3A were identified as hub genes.
• NRXN3, NEGR1, and NTNAP2 genes are involved in cell adhesion molecule (CAM) signaling, linked to Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Actinomycetales, and Intestinimonas massiliensis.

Conclusions:

• Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Actinomycetales, and Intestinimonas massiliensis may drive AD progression via CAM signaling pathways affecting synaptic function.
• Further research into the gut microbiome could enhance AD screening and diagnosis.