Oligodendrocyte Bioenergetics in Health and Disease
Abstract
The human brain weighs approximately 2% of the body; however, it consumes about 20% of a person’s total energy intake. Cellular bioenergetics in the central nervous system involves a delicate balance between biochemical processes engaged in energy conversion and those responsible for respiration. Neurons have high energy demands, which rely on metabolic coupling with glia, such as with oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. It has been well established that astrocytes recycle and transport glutamine to neurons to make the essential neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA, as well as shuttle lactate to support energy synthesis in neurons. However, the metabolic role of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system is less clear. In this review, we discuss the energetic demands of oligodendrocytes in their survival and maturation, the impact of altered oligodendrocyte energetics on disease pathology, and the role of energetic metabolites, taurine, creatine, N-acetylaspartate, and biotin, in regulating oligodendrocyte function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2018
- Source ID
- 10.1177/1073858418793077
Entities
People
- Jeffrey K Huang
- Lauren Rosko
- Reiji Yamazaki
- Victoria N. Smith
Organizations
- Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
- Georgetown University
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society