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Oligodendroglial metabolic support of myelinated axons driven by K+ dynamics

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This research elucidates that oligodendrocytes detect and respond to fast axonal spiking through K+ signaling, and that Kir4.1 channel activation has a pivotal role. This activity-driven interaction regulates axonal metabolic support by oligodendrocytes and influences lactate delivery and glucose metabolism in axons, which is essential for sustaining axonal health.

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Fig. 1: K+-mediated metabolic coupling in white matter.

References

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This is a summary of: Looser, Z. J. et al. Oligodendrocyte–axon metabolic coupling is mediated by extracellular K+ and maintains axonal health. Nat. Neurosci. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01558-3 (2024)

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Oligodendroglial metabolic support of myelinated axons driven by K+ dynamics. Nat Neurosci 27, 397–398 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01559-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01559-2

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