Neuronal expression of human amyloid-β and Tau drives global phenotypic and multi-omic changes inC. elegans

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's related diseases (ADRD) represent prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles. The intricate interplay between Aβ and Tau proteins requires further investigation to better understand the precise mechanisms underlying disease pathology. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansserves as an invaluable model organism for studying aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we performed an unbiased systems analysis of aC. elegansstrain expressing both Aβ and Tau proteins within neurons. Intriguingly, even at an early stage of adulthood, we observed reproductive impairments and mitochondrial dysfunction consistent with substantial disruptions in mRNA transcript abundance, protein solubility, and metabolite levels. Notably, the simultaneous expression of these two neurotoxic proteins exhibited a synergistic effect, leading to accelerated aging in the model organism. Our comprehensive findings shed light on the intricate relationship between normal aging processes and the etiology of ADRD. Specifically, we demonstrate the alterations to metabolic functions precede age-related neurotoxicity, offering critical insights into potential therapeutic strategies.