Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2015, Vol. 10 ›› Issue (10): 1570-1571.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.167749

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Role of myelin sheath energy metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases

Silvia Ravera*, Isabella Panfoli   

  1. Pharmacy Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, Genova, Italy
  • Received:2015-09-11 Online:2015-10-28 Published:2015-10-28
  • Contact: Silvia Ravera, Ph.D., silvia.ravera@gmail.com.
  • Supported by:

    This study was supported by: Grant from the “Fondazione Giuseppe Levi–Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei” for the research project entitled: “Produzione extramitocondriale di ATP in mielina: localizzazione dei complessi della catena respiratoria e possible ruolo nella degenerazione assonale in Sclerosi Multipla”, No. Borsa “Giuseppe Levi”_2013; Grant from the ‘‘Compagnia di San Paolo’’- Neuroscience Program, for the research project entitled: ‘‘Energetic metabolism in myelinated axon: a new trophic role of myelin sheath’’, No. 2008.1142.

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Abstract:

More than any other organs, brain energy demand is entirely dependent on glucose catabolism through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Glucose is the major cerebral energy substrate in the nervous system (NS). Ketone bodies can utilized as an additional substrate, but in any case, neurons critically depend on oxygen supply. This sounds quite surprising considering that NS contains few mitochondria, which are universally considered the exclusive site of OXPHOS.