Scale-spanning crosstalk between metabolism and information processing
Cell Metabolism. 2025-12-01; 37(12): 2303-2310
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.10.012
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https://www.bordeaux-neurocampus.fr/12567
Barros LF(1), Fernández-Moncada I(2), Marsicano G(3), Ruminot I(4), Saab AS(5), Weber B(5).
Author information:
(1)Centro de Estudios Científicos-CECs, Valdivia, Chile; Facultad de Medicina,
Universidad San Sebastián, Valdivia, Chile. Electronic address:
.
(2)University Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeurO, UMR 1286, 33000
Bordeaux, France.
(3)University Bordeaux, Inserm, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000 Bordeaux,
France.
(4)Centro de Estudios Científicos-CECs, Valdivia, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias de
la Rehabilitación y Calidad de Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Valdivia, Chile.
(5)Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH, Zurich,
Switzerland.
The research fields of brain intercellular signaling and brain energy metabolism
evolved separately. One dealt with neurotransmission and the assembly of neural
circuits and networks. The other focused on enzyme reactions and the
compartmentation of biochemical processes between neurons and glial cells.
High-order brain functions like cognition operate over long distances and can be
fast. By contrast, metabolism is slow and, being limited by diffusion, operates
over short distances. However, this comfortable division is now being challenged
by the realization that lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, ATP/adenosine, and other
key elements of the universal metabolic core also play the role of intercellular
signals, acting via G protein-coupled receptors and other targets to modulate
neural network activity, as showcased by exercise, fasting, and sleep. Here, we
discuss the possible physiological meaning of such promiscuity. By arguing that
it is no longer possible to understand signaling without understanding
metabolism, and vice versa, the purpose of this feature is to raise awareness of
the ongoing convergence and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.10.012
PMID: 41253157 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
Conflict of interest statement: Declaration of interests The authors declare no
competing interests.