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A Single-Cell Atlas of the Mouse Dural Meninges Reveals Pervasive Sex Differences Across Cellular Compartments

Arun, N.; Frederick, N. M.; Tavares, G. A.; Vicchiarelli, A.; Swaminathan, D.; Powers, J.; Davalos, D.; Bergmann, C. C.; Louveau, A.

2026-05-14 neuroscience
10.64898/2026.05.12.721894 bioRxiv
Show abstract

The dural compartment of the meninges forms a dynamic interface between the brain and the periphery, hosting diverse immune, vascular, mural and fibroblast populations. Single-cell studies have begun charting meningeal cellular diversity, yet a comprehensive view encompassing all major cellular compartments, intercellular communication, and the influence of sex remains lacking. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the adult mouse dural meninges, profiling all major cell types in male and female mice at steady state. We uncover broad sex differences in cell-type-specific proportion, transcriptional programs, intercellular communication, and disease relevant signatures. Histological and cytometry analyses validate the biological relevance of these findings, establishing this atlas as a foundation for studying meningeal contributions to neurological disease in a sex-aware manner.

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