Casting light on energy metabolism throughout the anatomy of aging neurons
Neurons in the brain are responsible for the many computations that coordinate our ability to balance our bodies, move in different directions while navigating unfamiliar environments, and store and retrieve information from previous experiences. Brain functions, however, require large amounts of energy (ATP), which accounts for approximately 20% of the body’s total energy consumption. In neurons, energy demands are also highly dynamic due to different states of activation, and therefore, rapid control of neuronal metabolism is essential for neuronal functioning. This ability of neurons to cope with moment-to-moment energy requirements decreases with age. However, little is known about the early dysfunction of the metabolic responses to stimulation in dendrites and axons, which are neuronal regions that typically deteriorate first during aging, or neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Díaz-García’s team combines the use of genetically-encoded fluorescent biosensors with multi-photon fluorescence lifetime microscopy for unequivocal visualization of changes in metabolite levels within specific regions of a neuron. This research will provide new insights into the identity and deregulation of major metabolic pathways involved in energy production in aging neurons, which could be targeted to treat age-related impairments in learning and memory.
