Metabolic preferences of astrocytes: Functional metabolic mapping reveals butyrate outcompetes acetate.

ABSTRACT: Disruptions to the gut-brain-axis have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Of these disruptions, reductions in the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, have been observed in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Butyrate supplementation in mice has shown promise in reducing neuroinflammation, amyloid-β accumulation, and enhancing memory. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To address this, we investigated the impact of butyrate on energy metabolism in mouse brain slices, primary cultures of astrocytes and neurons and in-vivo by dynamic isotope labelling with [U-¹³C]butyrate and [1,2-¹³C]acetate to map metabolism via mass spectrometry. Metabolic competition assays in cerebral cortical slices revealed no competition

SUBMITTER: Ameen AO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11563520 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature