Astrocytic lipid metabolism in brain signaling
Glia previously thought to be support cells of brain but recent evidence suggest that the astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in addition to supplying neurons with lactate via glycolysis also actively engage in lipid metabolism, especially mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation.
Fatty acid ß-oxidation in astrocytes orchestrates reactive oxygen species-mediated signaling pathways that modulate neuron-glia communication and cognitive outcomes.
Researchers in this review integrate astrocytic fatty acid ß-oxidation and ketogenesis, alongside other metabolic pathways converging on reactive oxygen species dynamics, including cholesterol metabolism and peroxisomal β-oxidation.
Thus, convergence of energy metabolism to signaling may provide new insights to central nervous system function and dysfunction.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s44319-025-00683-3
