Fig. 1 a) Overview of automated platform for microglia and microglia-neuron interaction characterization; b) Sample multiplex IF image with identified microglia-neuron interactions

Results

MICROGLIOSIS QUANTIFICATION

Fig 2. AAV-hTDP43 causes severe microgliosis. Quantification of microgliosis with Iba-1 stain density and density of activated microglia show a large increase in the disease group. (N=8 animals per group)

INCREASE IN MICROGLIA-NEURON INTERACTIONS

Fig 3. Increase in number of microglia-neuron interactions. The fraction of neuron with microglial interaction increases in the disease model.

CHANGE IN THE TYPE OF INTERACTIONS

Fig 4. Change in the nature of the microglia-neuron interactions. The fraction of microglia with interaction and  fraction of large interaction (area covered or perimeter covered >0.5) increases in the disease model.

INTERACTIONS CORRELATE WITH SINGLE CELL PATHOLOGICAL BURDEN

Fig 5. Cells with higher pTDP-43 burden are more likely to undergo interactions. Fraction of neurons with interactions as a function of pTDP43 intensity. Each point is a bin of 3,000 cells averaged in x and y (n=46,371 cells across N=8 animals).

Conclusions