Transcriptional reprogramming by SPI1 (PU.1) modulates Alzheimer’s disease phenotypes in mouse models

SPI1 (PU.1) was recently reported as a genetic risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, it is unknown whether PU.1 should be downregulated or increased to have therapeutic benefits. This is a critical question that must be answered before initiating any drug discovery project. To investigate the effect of modulating PU.1 level on AD pathology, we performed biochemical, histological, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses using PU.1-knockdown and overexpression mouse models. PU.1-knockdown markedly increased amyloid-b (Ab) levels, amyloid plaque deposition, and gliosis. Conversely, PU.1-overexpression significantly decreased Ab levels, amyloid plaque deposition, gliosis, and dystrophic neurites. Furthermore, we identified several biological pathways, such as immune response pathways and complement system, regulated by the altered PU.1 expression through the analyses of proteomics as well as bulk and single-cell transcriptomics data. Our data provide crucial in vivo data to guide future therapeutic strategies for AD. Data contains single-cell RNA-sequencing data from two female 5XFAD;PU.1 wildtype and two female 5XFAD;PU.1 transgenic mice