KAUST's Vice President of Research, Professor Pierre Magistretti, presented the 2023 Nansen Neuroscience Lecture in Oslo. The lecture highlighted his discovery of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle and its role in brain physiology and pathology. His research explains how astrocytes feed neurons lactate as a primary energy source, impacting memory and cognition. Why it matters: The lecture recognizes KAUST's contribution to neuroscience and highlights the importance of understanding brain energy consumption for treating neurological disorders.
KAUST professor Pierre Magistretti has been elected to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. His election recognizes his contributions to neuroscience, specifically his work on lactate's role in brain function. Magistretti's research focuses on the lactate shuttle system and how neurons and glial cells cooperate to meet energy demands. Why it matters: This honor highlights KAUST's contribution to international neuroscience and can foster further collaboration in the field.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) found that restoring a key cellular molecule, NAD+, can partially reverse the effects of acidic stress in human cells. Published in Communications Biology, their study utilized a precisely controlled bioreactor system to investigate how mild extracellular acidity disrupts cellular energy generation and mitochondrial function. The research identified NAD+ depletion as a key underlying mechanism and demonstrated that NMN supplementation partially restored cellular function and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction. Why it matters: These findings could inform future strategies to protect cells and support human health, particularly in diseases like cancer and inflammation where acidic conditions are common.
KAUST researchers collaborated with the Blue Brain Project to study astrocytes, brain cells crucial for memory and learning. Dr. Corrado Calì produced 3D models of astrocytes using serial block-face electron microscopy to understand their structure. The study, published in Progress in Neurobiology, reveals how lactate transfer from astrocytes to neurons contributes to brain energy usage. Why it matters: Understanding astrocyte function could lead to new drugs for treating conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease by improving brain cell function.