Glycolytically impaired Drosophila glial cells fuel neural metabolism via β-oxidation.

ABSTRACT: Neuronal function is highly energy demanding and thus requires efficient and constant metabolite delivery by glia. Drosophila glia are highly glycolytic and provide lactate to fuel neuronal metabolism. Flies are able to survive for several weeks in the absence of glial glycolysis. Here, we study how Drosophila glial cells maintain sufficient nutrient supply to neurons under conditions of impaired glycolysis. We show that glycolytically impaired glia rely on mitochondrial fatty acid breakdown and ketone body production to nourish neurons, suggesting that ketone bodies serve as an alternate neuronal fuel to prevent neurodegeneration. We show that in times of long-term starvation, glial degradation of absorbed fatty acids is essential to ensure survival of the fly. Further, we show that Droso

SUBMITTER: McMullen E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10209077 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature