Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 39-46 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 42 communication mechanisms between neurons. Researchers use these technologies to precisely analyze the genomics and transcriptomics of pre- and post-synaptic cells, thereby revealing the molecular basis of synaptic connections. For instance, by comparing the synaptic connection strength and stability between different neurons, scientists have discovered key genes and signaling pathways related to synaptic plasticity. These findings not only help understand how neurons cooperate to perform complex brain functions but also provide new insights into the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 2.2 Mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases Single-cell genomics has played a significant role in unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD). By analyzing the genome, transcriptome, and epigenome of individual neurons in brain tissues of patients, scientists have been able to more precisely understand the molecular level pathological changes in these diseases. These case studies demonstrate the immense potential of single-cell genomics in researching the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases (Vasaikar, 2019). 2.2.1 Pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease Taking Alzheimer's Disease as an example, researchers have used single-cell RNA sequencing technology to discover a plethora of gene expression abnormalities in the neurons of AD patients. These abnormalities include genes related to synaptic function, energy metabolism, and inflammatory responses. By comparing single-cell data across different disease stages and different brain regions, scientists have also revealed the progressive degeneration and death of neurons in the course of AD, as well as the response and role of glial cells in the disease progression. These findings not only provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of AD but also support the development of therapeutic strategies targeted at specific pathological processes (Viswam et al., 2019). 2.2.2 Pathogenic mechanism of Parkinson's disease In the case of Parkinson's Disease, single-cell genomics has also revealed the degenerative death process of dopaminergic neurons in the brains of PD patients. Scientists have identified specific gene expression abnormalities and epigenetic modifications in dopaminergic neurons, which are closely related to core pathological mechanisms of PD, such as mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Additionally, single-cell genomics has helped researchers uncover the responses and changes of other types of neurons during the progression of PD, as well as the interactions between glial cells and dopaminergic neurons. 2.3 Research on neural regeneration and repair Single-cell genomics has achieved remarkable results in the fields of neural regeneration and neural stem cell differentiation. These studies have not only deepened our understanding of the mechanisms of neural system development and repair but also provided new strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (Rochford et al., 2020). Taking neural regeneration as an example, scientists have used single-cell RNA sequencing technology to conduct in-depth studies on the regeneration process of neural stem cells after injury. They discovered that certain specific genes and signaling pathways are activated in the injured environment, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. These findings not only reveal the molecular mechanisms of neural regeneration but also provide potential targets for developing drugs that promote neural regeneration (Aqrawe et al., 2018). In the area of neural stem cell differentiation, single-cell genomics technology also plays a crucial role. Researchers have used single-cell sequencing technology to perform detailed analyses of gene expression changes during the differentiation process of neural stem cells. They found that neural stem cells at different differentiation stages possess unique gene expression patterns, which are closely associated with the direction and function of cell differentiation. These findings not only help to understand the differentiation mechanisms of neural stem cells but also provide an important theoretical basis for cell replacement therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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