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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.12.721894

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.
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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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Arun, N., Frederick, N. M., Tavares, G. A., Vicchiarelli, A., Swaminathan, D., Powers, J., Davalos, D., Bergmann, C. C., Louveau, A.. 2026-05-14. A Single-Cell Atlas of the Mouse Dural Meninges Reveals Pervasive Sex Differences Across Cellular Compartments. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.12.721894

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