Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41954847›Full record

ArticleNeuroinformatics2026

Integrated Single-Cell and System Network Analysis: Exploring Cellular Communication Network Complexity and Signal Transmission Dysregulation in Down Syndrome Brain.

Xuehai Ma, Mengdan Wang, Jing Yang, Gang Li, Yan Wang, Hongkun Fang, Shuo Zhang

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Article in Neuroinformatics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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1 · What the graph read from it

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Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Xuehai Ma *Xin jiang Key Laboratory of Mental Development and Learning Science, College of Psychology, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, China.
Mengdan Wang *Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
Jing YangSchool of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
Gang LiXiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China. ligang@xmu.edu.cn.
Yan WangXiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China. wy@medmail.com.cn.
Hongkun FangDepartment of Scientific Research Management, Weifang People's Hospital, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261041, China. mxh5213@126.com.
Shuo ZhangXiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China. shuozhang@xmu.edu.cn.

Funding

This research was supported by the Special Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Special Training Programme for Ethnic Minorities (No. 2022D03052), the Doctoral (Postdoctoral) Research Start-up Fund Project of Xinjiang Normal University (No. XJNUBS202419) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Numbers. 82270417). No. 2022D03052; No. XJNUBS202419; Grant Numbers. 82270417
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Down syndrome (DS) is a widespread chromosomal disorder primarily associated with cognitive impairment and progressive neurodegenerative changes. Clinically, age 50 years is considered a pivotal turning point in the health trajectory of individuals with DS. Before this age, they primarily face developmental challenges including significant cognitive deficits and difficulties in social interaction. However, as they age, they increasingly exhibit more severe neurodegenerative changes, including Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like cognitive decline and dementia symptoms. This study aimed to dissect intricate gene expression patterns in key neuronal cell types within the DS cerebral cortex and to examine how these patterns evolve with age. We conducted a detailed gene expression analysis of key neuronal cells, including inhibitory neurons, excitatory neurons, microglia, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, in individuals with DS. Additionally, the bioinformatics tool NeuronChat was employed to investigate the intercellular communication networks in the DS brain. Individuals with DS were divided into younger and older groups, with age 50 years as the boundary. Through comparative analysis, our findings indicated that aging in DS is associated with exacerbated neuronal dysfunction, decreased energy metabolism in microglia, and increased neurodegenerative traits in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Notably, compared to the control group, the DS brain showed increased complexity in cellular communication networks, reflecting an effort to maintain adaptability during syndrome progression. However, this increased complexity does not translate into effective signal transmission, suggesting significant disruptions in the function and structure of the neural network. This study provides a deeper understanding of cell function abnormalities and signal transmission irregularities in DS. By integrating single-cell and systemic network analyses, we revealed complex pathophysiological mechanisms, laying a foundational framework for developing new treatment methods. Our comprehensive analysis emphasizes the necessity for targeted strategies to address the multifaceted nature of DS pathogenesis and improve treatment outcomes.

Indexed as

BrainCell CommunicationDown SyndromeSignal TransductionAgingFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedNeuronsSingle-Cell AnalysisAge-related neurodegenerationCellular communicationDown syndrome

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.