While neurons and the circuits the form have been the major focus of brain research the human brain contains at least as many cells that are not neurons of which astrocytes are by far the most abundant. During the past decade there have been numerous studies that reveal novel and very active roles for astrocytes in regulating the growth of neurons, the formation and modification of synapses, the activities of neural networks, and behaviors in laboratory animals. In this episode Marc Freeman talks about the fascinating world of astrocytes including their diversity, complex morphologies, and roles in neuroplasticity and disease processes.

LINKS:

Marc Freeman’s webpage at the Vollum Institute:

https://www.ohsu.edu/vollum-institute/marc-freeman-phd

Articles discussed in this podcast:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11513168/pdf/nihms-2030570.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7897322/pdf/nihms-1657553.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5161596/pdf/nihms-822004.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39386551/

Because neurons in the brain are electrically excitable and active 24/7 the brain consumes relatively large amounts of energy and must adapt to varying demands on its neural networks. The cellular and molecular complexity of the brain presents a major challenge for understanding not only its second-by-second function but also how neural networks are affected by aging and disease. In this episode Dr. Polina Schichkova talks about how large datasets on cellular energy metabolism gene expression are being used to elucidate how aging affects the brain as a whole. Her findings from analyses of data from brains of young adults and elder humans show that aging results in reduced flexibility of the brain’s bioenergetics and electrical activity. Computer modeling reveals how the brain is altered during aging as well as potential interventions to counteract age-related processes.

LINKS

Breakdown and repair of metabolism in the aging brain:

file:///Users/markmattson/Downloads/fsci-3-1441297%20(2).pdf

Multiscale electro-metabolic model of the brain:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12112163/pdf/pcbi.1013070.pdf

Online modeling:

https://www.openbraininstitute.org/jupyterhub_metabolism/user/mpaulmattson@gmail.com/lab/tree/obi_platform_analysis_notebooks/Metabolism/analysis_notebook.ipynb

Research on substance use disorders has largely focused on understanding the key neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems that are altered, and on behavioral and pharmacological interventions. However, emerging research findings suggest that alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with alterations in energy metabolism and can accelerate brain aging. In this episode I talk with Dr. Corinde Wiers about substance use disorders with a focus on her recent clinical trials which show that ketone (b-hydroxybutyrate) supplementation can reduce craving for alcohol in people with AUD and can reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms. We discuss the potential mechanisms that may explain the efficacy of ketone supplementation – and interventions that elevate endogenous ketone production (fasting, exercise, and ketogenic diets) – in AUD. Whether or not ketogenic interventions are beneficial for individuals with other addictions (opioids, cocaine, nicotine, gambling..) remains to be determined.

LINKS:

Dr. Wiers webpage at the University of Pennsylvania: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g332/p9389303

Dr. Wiers’ publications discussed in this podcast:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8034849/pdf/abf6780.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8670944/pdf/fpsyt-12-781668.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10901540/pdf/pyae009.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10895037/pdf/fnut-11-1254341.pdf