This research details the creation of a high-resolution cell atlas to track how the mouse brain changes during the aging process. By utilizing advanced single-cell transcriptomics and spatial imaging, scientists mapped the molecular architecture of the frontal cortex and striatum across various life stages. The findings indicate that non-neuronal cells, such as glia and immune cells, experience much more significant alterations in state and gene expression than neurons do. Specifically, the subcortical white matter was identified as a primary site for age-related inflammation and cellular activation. Furthermore, the study compares these natural aging signatures to changes triggered by systemic inflammatory challenges, highlighting both shared and distinct biological pathways. Ultimately, this resource provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the spatial and molecular triggers of age-related cognitive decline.

References:

• Allen W E, Blosser T R, Sullivan Z A, et al. Molecular and spatial signatures of mouse brain aging at single-cell resolution[J]. Cell, 2023, 186(1): 194-208. e18.