Neuronal glycolysis meets mitophagy to govern organismal wellbeing

New research shows that neurons avoid using glucose for energy, and instead use lactate and ketone bodies from astrocytes, saving glucose to fight stress and prevent cell death. 

Cutting-edge tools such as targeted genetic models and live metabolite sensors have revealed how neurons and astrocytes work together, highlighting the importance of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ), sirtuins, and mitophagy in keeping brain and body metabolism healthy.

These discoveries shift our understanding of brain disease, showing that problems with neuron metabolism – not just neurotransmitters – may drive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, pushing us toward treatments that focus on brain energy balance.

https://www.cell.com/trends/endocrinology-metabolism/fulltext/S1043-2760(25)00120-1

https://sciencemission.com/Neuronal-glycolysis-meets-mitophagy