Programming the Mitochondrial Choice of Fuel Substrates: Metabolic Control of Neuronal Excitability

Guest Presenter:

Nika <span>Danial</span>, PhD

Nika Danial, PhD
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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Originally presented April 17, 2012

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Webinar Abstract:

The capacity of cells to use alternate fuels such as carbohydrates, fatty acids, and ketone bodies can affect cellular response to stress. Glucose is the predominant source of energy for the brain, however the brain can switch to other fuel substrates under certain conditions. Mitochondrial utilization of alternate fuels such as ketone bodies can modulate neuronal excitation and seizure sensitivity, but little is known about the intrinsic pathways of cells that normally modulate the choice of glucose, versus ketone bodies, in the brain. Identification of such pathways would provide a better molecular handle on metabolic control of neuronal excitation and seizure sensitivity.

In this webinar we will discuss:

  • How respiration in response to glucose, and non-glucose fuels, can be systematically examined in primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes.
  • How a shift in mitochondrial choice of fuel substrates from glucose, to ketone bodies may control neuronal excitability in a model system.
  • How the XF Analyzer was utilized in this cellular bioenergetics research.

Research Area(s):

  • Neurodegeneration