Alzheimer's Disease and circadian disruption sex-specifically contribute to a loss of bone maintenance in APP/PS1 model mice

Abstract

Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (ADRDs) are linked to reduced bone integrity and increased fracture risk, but the mechanisms that underlie this risk remain poorly defined. Current research suggests that environmental factors, such as diet, sleep, and light exposure can modulate the brain-bone axis, increasing susceptibility to bone loss and fractures. Circadian disruption (CD) associated with ADRDs may exacerbate the effects of disease and aging in the bone. In particular, regulation of bone marrow progenitors may be acutely susceptible to disruption along this axis. Here, we explore the interplay among genetic and environmental factors that influence bone structure, marrow progenitor cell activity, and monocyte-derived macrophages. The APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model (AP) is used as an in vivo model of amyloid-beta deposition. High-resolution micro-computed tomography (CT) identified sex- and genotype-specific responses in trabecular morphometry. Follow-up analysis with Raman spectroscopy (RS) found accumulation of non-enzymatic modifications of the organic matrix and notched three-point bending identified concomitant loss of bone toughness due to both CD and AP. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) confirmed the presence of oxidative stress signals in the cellular populations of the bone marrow. We further mapped significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from monocytes in the bone marrow to circadian-regulated proteins in monocyte-derived macrophages, revealing dysregulation of circadian timing in macrophages in vitro. These findings offer new insights into how environmental disruptions can exacerbate the progression of neurodegenerative disease and bone degradation. LAY SUMMARYPatients with Alzheimers disease have an increased bone fracture risk, but the biological link between brain and bone disease is not well understood. Everyday factors such as altered light exposure (shift work, screens late at night, etc.) can worsen outcomes in the brain and skeleton. Using a mouse model of Alzheimers disease, we found that both genetic risk and circadian disruption contribute to weaker bone and altered bone quality. We also identified inflammation and stress responses in bone marrow cells, suggesting that bone marrow may play a key role in linking brain disease to bone fragility.