Topic: MCT4

The brain is the most energy-demanding organ of our body in proportion to its size. Within it, neurons are the prime energy consumers, but they are not alone in the brain. While the classical view of brain energetics pointed at blood-borne glucose as the main source for neuronal energy metabolism, it is now admitted that lactate is also playing a key role. The Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle (ANLS) in which astrocytes take up glucose from the blood, store it as glycogen, and/or convert and release it under the form of lactate, is a parallel energy source. Whether neurons preferentially use gl

Microglia are crucial players in brain injury, orchestrating inflammatory responses, scavenging cellular debris, and promoting plasticity for functional recovery. To perform these functions, microglia undergo specific metabolic adaptations. Ex vivo evidence shows that, when subjected to glucose depletion, microglia are able to maintain their motility and surveillance, thanks to their high metabolic flexibility. However, the energetic sources sustaining their flexibility in vivo remain unclear. Ischemic stroke is characterized by a sudden drop in nutrients and oxygen supply, while extracellular