Calbindin-D28k deficiency mediates tau-driven hippocampal hyperexcitement and cognitive impairment

Background: Medial temporal lobe hyperexcitation or seizures originating from the hippocampus are frequently observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, contributing to accelerated cognitive decline. As the hippocampus is an early vulnerable area of tau pathology, the mechanisms by which abnormal tau aggregation promotes temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remain poorly understood. Methods: We investigated the role of AD-like hippocampal tau aggregation in neuronal hyperexcitation using transgenic (Tg) tau-driven mice. Effects of tau aggregation on intracellular calcium dynamics were assessed by calcium imaging. Neuronal/network hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility were evaluated through patch-clamp electrophysiology, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and optogenetic induction. A tetracycline-controlled (Tet-on) system in Tg hTau368 mice enabled spatiotemporal induction of tau pathology to investigate its interactions with calbindin-D28k (CB) and synaptic proteins. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CB supplementation in hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) excitatory neurons was performed to correct hyperexcitability and cognitive deficits. Finally, the relationship between CB and disease progress was analyzed using an AD public database. Results: Tau accumulation in the hippocampal CA1/DG CaMKII-positive excitatory neurons reduced CB expression with disruption of calcium homeostasis. This dysregulation increased neuronal excitability, diminished synaptic protein levels, and increased seizure susceptibility and cognitive impairment. AAV-driven CB restoration in CA1/DG neurons attenuated both hyperexcitability and cognitive deficits. In the brains of AD patients, reduced CB expression was associated with cognitive deterioration and advanced disease stages. Conclusions: Tau aggregation drives calcium dysregulation and hippocampal neuronal hyperexcitation through reducing CB expression. These results establish a potential mechanistic link between tauopathy and TLE pathogenesis in AD, providing evidence for CB as a promising therapeutic target for mitigating seizure risk and related cognitive decline in AD.