BDH1-Dependent Ketone Body Metabolism Maintains Muller Cell Homeostasis and Retinal Function.

ABSTRACT: Ketone body metabolism serves as an auxiliary regulator of cellular energetics and redox balance, particularly during prolonged fasting and carbohydrate restriction, yet its role in retinal homeostasis under physiological conditions remains poorly defined. β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH1) is a mitochondrial enzyme that interconverts acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate, and is required for efficient ketone utilization. Here, we investigated the impact of impaired endogenous ketone metabolism on retinal function using global and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific BDH1 knockout (KO) mice. Global BDH1 KO mice showed reduced circulating β-hydroxybutyrate and blunted fasting-induced ketone elevations, accompanied by ganglion cell loss, structural abnormalities on fundus and OCT ima

SUBMITTER: Garg R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12767654 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature