Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics Reveal a Novel Mechanism of Oligodendrocyte-Neuron Interaction in Cognitive Decline After High-Altitude Cerebral Edema.

BACKGROUND

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) leads to cognitive decline, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

We established a mouse model of HACE under hypobaric hypoxia (simulating at an altitude of 6000 m) and analyzed hippocampal changes using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) at 3 days and 7 days post-exposure.

RESULTS

Hypobaric hypoxia induced HACE and cognitive decline by altering the transcriptomic profiles and interactions of oligodendrocytes (MOL and MOL2) and neurons (ExN-L6-CT-2). Early upregulation of PI3K/mTOR in oligodendrocytes mitigated Rps29-bax-mediated ribosomal stress and oxidative phosphorylation, promoting survival and myelin repair. Prolonged hypoxia suppressed PI3K/mTOR, triggering apoptosis/autophagy via oxidative phosphorylation and ribosomal stress. Enhanced Tnfrsf21-App interactions between MOL2 and ExN-L6-CT-2 exacerbated neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals that HACE-induced cognitive impairment is closely associated with dysregulated ribosomal stress and oxidative phosphorylation and impaired neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. Furthermore, we identify PI3K/mTOR dynamics, Rps29-bax-axis, and Tnfrsf21-App as novel regulators, offering potential therapeutic targets.