HIF-1α-induced microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is involved in Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from single-cell transcriptomic analysis

Abstract

Background

Microglia are central mediators of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), contributing significantly to disease pathogenesis. Understanding microglial heterogeneity and their regulatory mechanisms is critical for identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the diversity of microglial subpopulations in AD and uncover key transcriptional regulators driving their pathogenic activity.

Methods

We integrated bulk RNA sequencing data from AD patients and 5×FAD mouse models with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile microglial heterogeneity. Differential gene expression, pathway enrichment, pseudotime trajectory, and SCENIC analyses were used to identify functionally distinct subsets and regulatory networks. Experimental validation was conducted through in vivo assays in 5×FAD mice and in vitro inhibition studies targeting HIF-1α.

Results

A unique microglial subpopulation, termed microglia_2, was identified with an inflammatory-angiogenic transcriptional signature that was enriched during AD progression. This subset showed significant activation of inflammatory pathways. Pseudotime and SCENIC analyses revealed HIF-1α as a master regulator of microglia_2. In 5×FAD mice, cognitive decline was accompanied by increased expression of HIF-1α and Apoe, as well as microglial activation in the prefrontal cortex. In vitro inhibition of HIF-1α significantly reduced microglial inflammation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that a specific microglial subpopulation characterized by elevated HIF-1α expression may contribute to AD-associated neuroinflammation. By integrating transcriptomic analyses and experimental validation, we provide cell type–specific insights into disease mechanisms, offering potential insights for future mechanistic studies and therapeutic exploration.