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Fecal miRNome and Proteome Profiling Uncovers Stage-Specific Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease in 3×Tg-AD Mice

TitoloFecal miRNome and Proteome Profiling Uncovers Stage-Specific Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease in 3×Tg-AD Mice
Tipo di pubblicazioneArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Anno di Pubblicazione2026
AutoriVitali, Roberta, Tanno Barbara, Casciati Arianna, Palone Francesca, Pieroni Luisa, Morotti Marta, Santoro Massimo, Fratini Emiliano, Pazzaglia Simonetta, Podda Maria Vittoria, and Mancuso Mariateresa
RivistaCellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Volume46
Type of ArticleArticle
Abstract

Reliable, minimally invasive biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain a critical unmet need. Considering mounting evidence for gut–brain interactions in AD, we explored whether fecal samples contain host-derived molecular signals that reflect disease-related changes and could serve as accessible biomarkers. Fecal small RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics were performed in symptomatic 15-month-old 3×Tg-AD mice and controls. Pathway and network analyses identified key dysregulated molecules. Selected miRNAs and proteins were validated by qPCR or Western blotting in independent pre-symptomatic, early symptomatic, and severe cohorts. To assess whether fecal signals mirrored tissue alterations, colon samples were analyzed for tight-junction proteins, inflammatory markers, epigenetic regulation, and expression of selected miRNAs and proteins. Multi-omics identified 31 miRNAs and 81 proteins modulated in AD fecal sample, revealing a distinct AD-associated fecal signature involving pathways linked to neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, vascular imbalance, and metabolism. Several miRNAs— including miR-322-5p, miR-194-1 and miR-223-3p were significantly altered and validated across disease stages (3-,7-,15-old months mice, respectively). Notably, miR-146b-5p expression is inversely correlated with AD severity, exhibiting a stepwise decline from asymptomatic individuals to those with mild and severe stages. IgKappa and Ela3B emerged as the strongest protein candidates, showing opposite and progressive modulation. Notably, IgKappa and miR-146b showed the most consistent trajectories. Colon analyses uncovered reduced Claudin-7, strong IgKappa upregulation driven by enhancer hypomethylation, and partial overlap between fecal and tissue miRNA profiles, indicating that fecal signals reflect subtle epithelial and immune perturbations associated with AD. Multi-omics at severe stage and a stage specific validation support fecal miRNAs and proteins as promising, host-derived biomarkers for AD. Fecal profiling offers a practical, repeatable, and low-cost approach with translational potential for early detection and longitudinal monitoring in neurodegeneration. © The Author(s) 2026.

Note

Cited by: 0; All Open Access; Green Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access

URLhttps://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105043696430?origin=resultslist
DOI10.1007/s10571-026-01735-5
Citation KeyVitali2026
PubMed ID42113045