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

Abstract

Alzheimers disease (AD) and Alzheimers related diseases (ADRD) are prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) plaques and Tau neurofibrillary tangles. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) serves as an invaluable model organism in diseases of old age-due to its rapid aging. Here we performed an unbiased systems analysis of a C. elegans strain expressing both A{beta} and Tau proteins within neurons. We set out to determine if there was a phenotypic interaction between A{beta} and Tau. In addition, we were interested in determining the temporal order of the phenotypic and multi-omic (geromic) outcomes. At an early stage of adulthood, we observed reproductive impairments and mitochondrial dysfunction consistent with disruptions in mRNA transcript abundance, protein solubility, and metabolite levels. Notably, the expression of these neurotoxic proteins exhibited a synergistic effect, leading to accelerated aging. Our findings shed light on the close relationship between normal aging and ADRD. Specifically, we demonstrate alterations to metabolic functions preceding age-related neurotoxicity, offering a resource for the development of new therapeutic strategies.