Embracing the Modern Biochemistry of Brain Metabolism

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorial (Lead article)Contributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Juan P. Bolaños - (Author)
  • Cristina M. Alberini - (Author)
  • Angeles Almeida - (Author)
  • L. Felipe Barros - (Author)
  • Gilles Bonvento - (Author)
  • Anne‐Karine Bouzier‐Sore - (Author)
  • Ralf Dringen - (Author)
  • Giles E. Hardingham - (Author)
  • Johannes Hirrlinger - , Leipzig University, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (Author)
  • Pierre J. Magistretti - (Author)
  • Giovanni Marsicano - (Author)
  • Klaus‐Armin Nave - (Author)
  • Rosa C. Paolicelli - (Author)
  • Luc Pellerin - (Author)
  • Pierre‐Yves Plaçais - (Author)
  • Thomas Preat - (Author)
  • Nathalie Rouach - (Author)
  • Ivan Ruminot - (Author)
  • Aiman S. Saab - (Author)
  • Carmen Sandi - (Author)
  • Stefanie Schirmeier - , Chair of Zoology and Animal Physiology (Author)
  • Avital Schurr - (Author)
  • Jimena Sierralta - (Author)
  • Maite Solas - (Author)
  • Vanja Tepavcevic - (Author)
  • Bruno Weber - (Author)
  • Eduardo R. Zimmer - (Author)

Abstract

This editorial challenges the long‐held neuron‐centered view of brain metabolism, relying on ample evidence that it is a cooperative, multicellular process. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and other glia play active roles providing lactate, antioxidant support, and substrate shuttles that fuel neuronal function and memory. Despite mounting data, some critics persist in refuting intercellular metabolic exchange, often guided more by entrenched creeds than concrete evidence, slowing constructive, hypothesis‐driven discourse and delaying clinical and neuroprotective advances. The authors call for a rigorous research agenda: cell‐type‐specific manipulations, advanced biosensors, imaging and biomarkers, and integration with behavior and electrophysiology. They urge redirecting focus from outdated dogma to physiology‐driven exploration of glia–neuron metabolic partnerships.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere70166
JournalJournal of neurochemistry
Volume169
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jul 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105011094457

Keywords