Integrated multi-omics analysis of Alzheimer's disease shows molecular signatures associated with disease progression and potential therapeutic targets

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques implicated in neuronal death. Genetics, age, and sex are the risk factors attributed to AD. Though omics studies have helped to identify pathways associated with AD, an integrated systems analysis with the available data could help to understand mechanisms, potential biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Analysis of transcriptomic data sets from the GEO database, and proteomic and metabolomic data sets from literature was performed to identify deregulated pathways and commonality analysis identified overlapping pathways among the data sets. The deregulated pathways included those of neurotransmitter synapses, oxidative stress, inflammation, vitamins, complement, and coagulation pathways. Cell type analysis of GEO data sets showed microglia, endothelial, myeloid, and lymphoid cells are affected. Microglia are associated with inflammation and pruning of synapses with implications for memory and cognition. Analysis of the protein-cofactor network of B-2, B-6,B- and pantothenate shows metabolic pathways modulated by these vitamins which overlap with the deregulated pathways from the multi-omics analysis. Overall, the integrated analysis identified the molecular signature associated with AD. Treatment with anti-oxidants, B-2, B-6, and pantothenate in genetically susceptible individuals in the pre-symptomatic stage might help in better management of the disease.

Automated summary

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the formation of amyloid plaques implicated in neuronal death. Integrated systems analysis of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data sets revealed deregulated pathways associated with neurotransmitter synapses, oxidative stress, inflammation, vitamins, complement, and coagulation. Cell type analysis identified microglia as a key player in inflammation and synaptic pruning. The analysis also highlighted the modulatory effect of B-2, B-6, and pantothenate on metabolic pathways, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for individuals at risk of AD.