FIG 1.

Experimental design and overview of AD pathology in aging 5xfAD mice. (A) Fecal samples were collected at 4, 8, 12, and 18 months of age for shotgun metagenomics and metabolomics (4, 8, and 12 months only). Cecal samples were collected at 4 and 18 months for shotgun metagenomics. Blood plasma was harvested at 12 and 18 months of age for metabolomics. (B) 5xfAD mice exhibit many hallmarks of AD neuro- and behavioral-pathology, most of which are exacerbated by age. This includes the progressive deposition of Aβ plaques (28–30), motor impairment (30), neuroinflammation (29, 32), memory deficits (28, 29), and stunted weight gain (29).