Specifically, GAS6–MERTK interactions from VC to Mic were absent in the AC group and progressively increased in PART and AD, while GAS6–MERTK interactions between VC and Ast were only detected in the AD group This result is consistent with previous studies showing that the GAS6–MERTK pair plays a dual role in AD: while it promotes Aβ clearance via microglial activation, it can also drive neuroinflammation through Ast reactivation (115, 116). Here, MERTK is linked to Alzheimer disease.