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A Systems-Level Transcriptomic Framework Identifies Shared Cellular Hubs in Osteoarthritis and Alzheimer's Disease.
Zhangzheng Wang1, Krisztián Juhász Zoltán1, Csaba Matta1,2,3
1Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Osteoarthritis and Alzheimer's disease share molecular pathways involving inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Shared genes suggest potential links between joint and brain aging, offering a framework for future research.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Neuroscience
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are common age-related conditions that often occur together.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of OA and AD are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate shared cellular and molecular pathways between OA and AD using transcriptomic data.
- To identify overlapping differentially expressed genes and cellular functions in both diseases.
Main Methods:
- Integrative analysis of bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets from human OA cartilage and AD cortex.
- Identification of shared up-regulated genes (SUGS) and functional enrichment analysis.
- Single-cell and ligand-receptor interaction analyses within each tissue type.
Main Results:
- Identified 60 overlapping differentially expressed genes, including 18 consistently up-regulated genes (SUGS).
- SUGS converged on pathways like extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, metabolic stress, and immune regulation.
- Specific cell subpopulations in OA (fibrochondrocytes) and AD (oligodendrocytes) showed enriched SUGS activity and distinct communication roles.
Conclusions:
- Shared molecular programs, particularly involving inflammation and matrix remodeling, may link OA and AD.
- Cellular hubs identified in each tissue provide a framework for investigating joint inflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Further research is needed to establish direct inter-organ communication and causality.
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