Serine and glycine physiology reversibly modulate retinal and peripheral nerve function
Redundant pathways ensure metabolic homeostasis during fasting and other stresses. These pathways are regulated locally in tissues and systemically via the liver, kidney, and circulation.
The researchers studied how serine, glycine, and one-carbon (SGOC) metabolism fluxes across the eye, liver, and kidney sustain retinal amino acid levels and function.
They demonstrate that the retina depends on circulation and local synthesis for serine homeostasis. They show that macular telangiectasia (MacTel), an age-related retinal disease exhibit an exaggerated reduction in circulating serine.
Modulating retinal serine levels through the diet can reverse serine-depletion induced retinal and peripheral neuropathies in mice.
https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(24)00323-1
