Astrocyte Metabolic Reprogramming

Astrocytes are glial cells in the CNS that maintain brain metabolic homeostasis. Their metabolism is highly adaptable through a process called metabolic reprogramming, enabling them to support neuronal function, modulate immune responses, and contribute to neuroprotection and tissue repair. Key features include glucose uptake via GLUTs, lactate production via LDH and export via MCTs (astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle), the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) for NADPH production, and fatty acid/amino acid metabolism. Reprogramming is triggered by ischemia/hypoxia (increased glucose uptake, glycolysis, lactate output, PPP activity) and neurodegenerative diseases (shift toward aerobic glycolysis). Dysregulation contributes to disease progression via impaired energy supply, altered redox balance, and changes in metabolite shuttling.

Other names

Astrocyte MetabolismAstrocyte Metabolic AdaptationGlia Metabolic ReprogrammingBrain Metabolic Homeostasis (Astrocytes)Astrocyte energy metabolism