Last reviewed: June 1, 2026

2017Cell

Disease-associated microglia: a universal response to neurological insults

Keren-Shaul H, Spinrad A, Weiner A, Matcovitch-Natan O, Dvir-Szternfeld R, Ulland TK, et al.

Abstract summary

Identified and characterized the disease-associated microglia (DAM) transcriptional state using single-cell RNA-seq in mouse AD models. DAM signature includes upregulation of TREM2, SPP1, CST7, CLEC7A, and GPNMB while downregulating homeostatic markers P2RY12 and CX3CR1. TREM2 was shown to be required for the full DAM transition.

Evidence labels

single-cell RNA-seqanimal model

Targets

Diseases

  • Alzheimer's disease

Species

mouse

Methods

single-cell RNA-seq, flow cytometry

Therapeutic relevance

Defined the DAM state as a key reference framework for microglial drug target identification.

Last reviewed: June 1, 2026