Role of glutamine and neuronal glutamate uptake in glutamate homeostasis and synthesis during vesicular release in cultured glutamatergic neurons

Mechanistic stoichiometric relationship between the rates of neurotransmission and neuronal glucose oxidation: Reevaluation of and alternatives to the pseudo-malate-aspartate shuttle model

The ~1:1 stoichiometry between the rates of neuronal glucose oxidation (CMRglc-ox-N) and glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamine (Gln) neurotransmitter (NT) cycling between neurons and astrocytes (VNTcycle) has been firmly established. However, the mechanistic basis for this relationship is not fully understood, and this knowledge is critical for the interpretation of metabolic and brain imaging studies in normal and diseased brain. The pseudo-malate-aspartate shuttle (pseudo-MAS) model established the requirement for glycolytic metabolism in cultured glutamatergic neurons to produce NADH that is shuttled into mitochondria to support conversion of extracellular Gln (i.e., astrocyte-derived Gln in vivo) into vesicular neurotransmitter Glu. The evaluation of this model revealed that it could explain half of the 1:1 stoichiometry and it has limitations. Modifications of the pseudo-MAS model were, therefore, devised to address major knowledge gaps, that is, submitochondrial glutaminase location, identities of mitochondrial carriers for Gln and other model components, alternative mechanisms to transaminate α-ketoglutarate to form Glu and shuttle glutamine-derived ammonia while maintaining mass balance. All modified models had a similar 0.5 to 1.0 predicted mechanistic stoichiometry between VNTcycle and the rate of glucose oxidation. Based on studies of brain β-hydroxybutyrate oxidation, about half of CMRglc-ox-N may be linked to glutamatergic neurotransmission and localized in pre-synaptic structures that use pseudo-MAS type mechanisms for Glu-Gln cycling. In contrast, neuronal compartments that do not participate in transmitter cycling may use the MAS to sustain glucose oxidation. The evaluation of subcellular compartmentation of neuronal glucose metabolism in vivo is a critically important topic for future studies to understand glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.

Glutamate Dehydrogenase Is Important for Ammonia Fixation and Amino Acid Homeostasis in Brain During Hyperammonemia

Impaired liver function may lead to hyperammonemia and risk for hepatic encephalopathy. In brain, detoxification of ammonia is mediated mainly by glutamine synthetase (GS) in astrocytes. This requires a continuous de novo synthesis of glutamate, likely involving the action of both pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). An increased PC activity upon ammonia exposure and the importance of PC activity for glutamine synthesis has previously been demonstrated while the importance of GDH for generation of glutamate as precursor for glutamine synthesis has received little attention. We therefore investigated the functional importance of GDH for brain metabolism during hyperammonemia. To this end, brain slices were acutely isolated from transgenic CNS-specific GDH null or litter mate control mice and incubated in aCSF containing [U-¹³C]glucose in the absence or presence of 1 or 5 mM ammonia. In another set of experiments, brain slices were incubated in aCSF containing 1 or 5 mM ¹⁵N-labeled NH₄Cl and 5 mM unlabeled glucose. Tissue extracts were analyzed for isotopic labeling in metabolites and for total amounts of amino acids. As a novel finding, we reveal a central importance of GDH function for cerebral ammonia fixation and as a prerequisite for de novo synthesis of glutamate and glutamine during hyperammonemia. Moreover, we demonstrated an important role of the concerted action of GDH and alanine aminotransferase in hyperammonemia; the products alanine and α-ketoglutarate serve as an ammonia sink and as a substrate for ammonia fixation via GDH, respectively. The role of this mechanism in human hyperammonemic states remains to be studied.

Metabolism of [1,6-13 C]glucose in the cerebellum of 18-day-old rats: Comparison with cerebral metabolism

There is little information on metabolism in developing cerebellum despite the known importance of this region in cognition and motor tasks. Ex vivo ¹ H- and ¹³ C-NMR spectroscopy were used to determine metabolism during late postnatal development in cerebellum and cerebrum from 18-day-old rat pups after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of [1,6-¹³ C]glucose. The concentration of several metabolites in cerebellum was distinctly different than cerebrum; alanine, glutamine, creatine and myo-inositol were higher in cerebellum than cerebrum, the concentrations of lactate, GABA, aspartate and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) were lower in cerebellum than in cerebrum, and levels of glutamate, succinate, choline and taurine were similar in both brain regions. The incorporation of label from the metabolism of [1,6-¹³ C]glucose into most isotopomers of glutamate (GLU), glutamine (GLN), GABA and aspartate was lower in cerebellum than in cerebrum. Incorporation of label into the C2 position of lactate via the pyruvate recycling pathway was found in both brain regions. The ratio of newly synthesized GLN/GLU was significantly higher in cerebellum than in cerebrum indicating relatively active metabolism via glutamine synthetase in cerebellar astrocytes at postnatal day 18. This is the first study to determine metabolism in the cerebellum and cerebrum of male and female rat brain.

Roles of inflammation in intrinsic pathophysiology and antipsychotic drug-induced metabolic disturbances of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric illness that remains poorly understood. While the bulk of symptomatology has classically been associated with disrupted brain functioning, accumulating evidence demonstrates that schizophrenia is characterized by systemic inflammation and disturbances in metabolism. Indeed, metabolic disease is a major determinant of the high mortality rate associated with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) have revolutionized management of psychosis, making it possible to rapidly control psychotic symptoms. This has ultimately reduced relapse rates of psychotic episodes and improved overall quality of life for people with schizophrenia. However, long-term APD use has also been associated with significant metabolic disturbances including weight gain, dysglycemia, and worsening of the underlying cardiometabolic disease intrinsic to schizophrenia. While the mechanisms for these intrinsic and medication-induced metabolic effects remain unclear, inflammation appears to play a key role. Here, we review the evidence for roles of inflammatory mechanisms in the disease features of schizophrenia and how these mechanisms interact with APD treatment. We also discuss the effects of common inflammatory mediators on metabolic disease. Then, we review the evidence of intrinsic and APD-mediated effects on systemic inflammation in schizophrenia. Finally, we speculate about possible treatment strategies. Developing an improved understanding of inflammatory processes in schizophrenia may therefore introduce new, more effective options for treating not only schizophrenia but also primary metabolic disorders.

Glutamate-glutamine homeostasis is perturbed in neurons and astrocytes derived from patient iPSC models of frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is amongst the most prevalent early onset dementias and even though it is clinically, pathologically and genetically heterogeneous, a crucial involvement of metabolic perturbations in FTD pathology is being recognized. However, changes in metabolism at the cellular level, implicated in FTD and in neurodegeneration in general, are still poorly understood. Here we generate induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from patients carrying mutations in CHMP2B (FTD3) and isogenic controls generated via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with subsequent neuronal and glial differentiation and characterization. FTD3 neurons show a dysregulation of glutamate-glutamine related metabolic pathways mapped by ¹³C-labelling coupled to mass spectrometry. FTD3 astrocytes show increased uptake of glutamate whilst glutamate metabolism is largely maintained. Using quantitative proteomics and live-cell metabolic analyses, we elucidate molecular determinants and functional alterations of neuronal and glial energy metabolism in FTD3. Importantly, correction of the mutations rescues such pathological phenotypes. Notably, these findings implicate dysregulation of key enzymes crucial for glutamate-glutamine homeostasis in FTD3 pathogenesis which may underlie vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) of patients carrying mutations in CHMP2B (FTD3) display major metabolic alterations compared to CRISPR/Cas9 generated isogenic controls. Using quantitative proteomics, ¹³C-labelling coupled to mass spectrometry metabolic mapping and seahorse analyses, molecular determinants and functional alterations of neuronal and astrocytic energy metabolism in FTD3 were characterized. Our findings implicate dysregulation of glutamate-glutamine homeostasis in FTD3 pathogenesis. In addition, FTD3 neurons recapitulate glucose hypometabolism observed in FTD patient brains. The impaired mitochondria function found here is concordant with disturbed TCA cycle activity and decreased glycolysis in FTD3 neurons. FTD3 neuronal glutamine hypermetabolism is associated with up-regulation of PAG expression and, possibly, ROS production. Distinct compartments of glutamate metabolism can be suggested for the FTD3 neurons. Endogenous glutamate generated from glutamine via PAG may enter the TCA cycle via AAT (left side of neuron) while exogenous glutamate taken up from the extracellular space may be incorporated into the TCA cycle via GDH (right side of the neuron) FTD3 astrocytic glutamate uptake is upregulated whilst glutamate metabolism is largely maintained. Finally, pharmacological reversal of glutamate hypometabolism manifesting from decreased GDH expression should be explored as a novel therapeutic intervention for treating FTD3.

Molecular, Structural, Functional, and Pharmacological Sites for Vesicular Glutamate Transporter Regulation

Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) control quantal size of glutamatergic transmission and have been the center of numerous studies over the past two decades. VGLUTs contain two independent transport modes that facilitate glutamate packaging into synaptic vesicles and phosphate (Pi) ion transport into the synaptic terminal. While a transmembrane proton electrical gradient established by a vacuolar-type ATPase powers vesicular glutamate transport, recent studies indicate that binding sites and flux properties for chloride, potassium, and protons within VGLUTs themselves regulate VGLUT activity as well. These intrinsic ionic binding and flux properties of VGLUTs can therefore be modulated by neurophysiological conditions to affect levels of glutamate available for release from synapses. Despite their extraordinary importance, specific and high-affinity pharmacological compounds that interact with these sites and regulate VGLUT function, distinguish between the various modes of transport, and the different isoforms themselves, are lacking. In this review, we provide an overview of the physiologic sites for VGLUT regulation that could modulate glutamate release in an over-active synapse or in a disease state.

Deletion of Neuronal GLT-1 in Mice Reveals Its Role in Synaptic Glutamate Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Function

The glutamate transporter GLT-1 is highly expressed in astrocytes but also in neurons, primarily in axon terminals. We generated a conditional neuronal GLT-1 KO using synapsin 1-Cre (synGLT-1 KO) to elucidate the metabolic functions of GLT-1 expressed in neurons, here focusing on the cerebral cortex. Both synaptosomal uptake studies and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry demonstrated knockdown of GLT-1 in the cerebral cortex in the synGLT-1 KO mice. Aspartate content was significantly reduced in cerebral cortical extracts as well as synaptosomes from cerebral cortex of synGLT-1 KO compared with control littermates. ¹³C-Labeling of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates originating from metabolism of [U-¹³C]-glutamate was significantly reduced in synGLT-1 KO synaptosomes. The decreased aspartate content was due to diminished entry of glutamate into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Pyruvate recycling, a pathway necessary for full glutamate oxidation, was also decreased. ATP production was significantly increased, despite unaltered oxygen consumption, in isolated mitochondria from the synGLT-1 KO. The density of mitochondria in axon terminals and perisynaptic astrocytes was increased in the synGLT-1 KO. Intramitochondrial cristae density of synGLT-1 KO mice was increased, suggesting increased mitochondrial efficiency, perhaps in compensation for reduced access to glutamate. SynGLT-1 KO synaptosomes exhibited an elevated oxygen consumption rate when stimulated with veratridine, despite a lower baseline oxygen consumption rate in the presence of glucose. GLT-1 expressed in neurons appears to be required to provide glutamate to synaptic mitochondria and is linked to neuronal energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT All synaptic transmitters need to be cleared from the extracellular space after release, and transporters are used to clear glutamate released from excitatory synapses. GLT-1 is the major glutamate transporter, and most GLT-1 is expressed in astrocytes. Only 5%-10% is expressed in neurons, primarily in axon terminals. The function of GLT-1 in axon terminals remains unknown. Here, we used a conditional KO approach to investigate the significance of the expression of GLT-1 in neurons. We found multiple abnormalities of mitochondrial function, suggesting impairment of glutamate utilization by synaptic mitochondria in the neuronal GLT-1 KO. These data suggest that GLT-1 expressed in axon terminals may be important in maintaining energy metabolism and biosynthetic activities mediated by presynaptic mitochondria.

Microglia-Specific Metabolic Changes in Neurodegeneration

The high energetic demand of the brain deems this organ rather sensitive to changes in energy supply. Therefore, even minor alterations in energy metabolism may underlie detrimental disturbances in brain function, contributing to the generation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Considerable evidence supports the key role of deficits in cerebral energy metabolism, particularly hypometabolism of glucose and mitochondrial dysfunction, in the pathophysiology of brain disorders. Major breakthroughs in the field of bioenergetics and neurodegeneration have been achieved through the use of in vitro and in vivo models of disease as well as sophisticated neuroimaging techniques in patients, yet these have been mainly focused on neuron and astrocyte function. Remarkably, the subcellular metabolic mechanisms linked to neurodegeneration that operate in other crucial brain cell types such as microglia have remain obscured, although they are beginning to be unraveled. Microglia, the brain-resident immune sentinels, perform a diverse range of functions that require a high-energy expenditure, namely, their role in brain development, maintenance of the neural environment, response to injury and infection, and activation of repair programs. Interestingly, another key mechanism underlying several neurodegenerative diseases is neuroinflammation, which can be associated with chronic microglia activation. Considering that many brain disorders are accompanied by changes in brain energy metabolism and sustained inflammation, and that energy metabolism has a strong influence on the inflammatory responses of microglia, the emerging significance of microglial energy metabolism in neurodegeneration is highlighted in this review.

Analysis of membrane transport mechanisms of endogenous substrates using chromatographic techniques

Membrane transporters are expressed in various bodily tissues and play essential roles in the homeostasis of endogenous substances and the absortion, distribution and/or excretion of xenobiotics. For transporter assays, radioisotope-labeled compounds have been mainly used. However, commercially available radioisotope-labeled compounds are limited in number and relatively expensive. Chromatographic analyses such as high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorptiometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry have also been applied for transport assays. To elucidate the transport properties of endogenous substrates, although there is no difficulty in performing assays using radioisotope-labeled probes, the endogenous background and the metabolism of the compound after its translocation across cell membranes must be considered when the intact compound is assayed. In this review, the current state of knowledge about the transport of endogenous substrates via membrane transporters as determined by chromatographic techniques is summarized. Chromatographic techniques have contributed to our understanding of the transport of endogenous substances including amino acids, catecholamines, bile acids, prostanoids and uremic toxins via membrane transporters.

Neurointegrity and neurophysiology: astrocyte, glutamate, and carbon monoxide interactions

Astrocyte contributions to brain function and prevention of neuropathologies are as extensive as that of neurons. Astroglial regulation of glutamate, a primary neurotransmitter, is through uptake, release through vesicular and non-vesicular pathways, and catabolism to intermediates. Homeostasis by astrocytes is considered to be of primary importance in determining normal central nervous system health and central nervous system physiology - glutamate is central to dynamic physiologic changes and central nervous system stability. Gasotransmitters may affect diverse glutamate interactions positively or negatively. The effect of carbon monoxide, an intrinsic central nervous system gasotransmitter, in the complex astrocyte homeostasis of glutamate may offer insights to normal brain development, protection, and its use as a neuromodulator and neurotherapeutic. In this article, we will review the effects of carbon monoxide on astrocyte homeostasis of glutamate.

Glutamate dehydrogenase is essential to sustain neuronal oxidative energy metabolism during stimulation

The enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH; Glud1) catalyzes the (reversible) oxidative deamination of glutamate to α-ketoglutarate accompanied by a reduction of NAD⁺ to NADH. GDH connects amino acid, carbohydrate, neurotransmitter and oxidative energy metabolism. Glutamine is a neurotransmitter precursor used by neurons to sustain the pool of glutamate, but glutamine is also vividly oxidized for support of energy metabolism. This study investigates the role of GDH in neuronal metabolism by employing the Cns- Glud1^-/- mouse, lacking GDH in the brain (GDH KO) and metabolic mapping using ¹³C-labelled glutamine and glucose. We observed a severely reduced oxidative glutamine metabolism during glucose deprivation in synaptosomes and cultured neurons not expressing GDH. In contrast, in the presence of glucose, glutamine metabolism was not affected by the lack of GDH expression. Respiration fuelled by glutamate was significantly lower in brain mitochondria from GDH KO mice and synaptosomes were not able to increase their respiration upon an elevated energy demand. The role of GDH for metabolism of glutamine and the respiratory capacity underscore the importance of GDH for neurons particularly during an elevated energy demand, and it may reflect the large allosteric activation of GDH by ADP.

Astrocytic glycogen metabolism in the healthy and diseased brain

The brain contains a fairly low amount of glycogen, mostly located in astrocytes, a fact that has prompted the suggestion that glycogen does not have a significant physiological role in the brain. However, glycogen metabolism in astrocytes is essential for several key physiological processes and is adversely affected in disease. For instance, diminished ability to break down glycogen impinges on learning, and epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes are all associated with abnormal astrocyte glycogen metabolism. Glycogen metabolism supports astrocytic K⁺ and neurotransmitter glutamate uptake and subsequent glutamine synthesis-three fundamental steps in excitatory signaling at most brain synapses. Thus, there is abundant evidence for a key role of glycogen in brain function. Here, we summarize the physiological brain functions that depend on glycogen, discuss glycogen metabolism in disease, and investigate how glycogen breakdown is regulated at the cellular and molecular levels.

Metabolic signaling in the brain and the role of astrocytes in control of glutamate and GABA neurotransmission

Neurotransmission mediated by the two amino acids glutamate and GABA is based on recycling of the two signaling molecules between the presynaptic nerve endings and the surrounding astrocytes. During the recycling process, a fraction of the transmitter pool is lost since both transmitters undergo oxidative metabolism. This loss must be replenished by de novo synthesis which involves the action of pyruvate carboxylase, aminotransferases, glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase. Among these enzymes, pyruvate carboxylase and glutamine synthetase are selectively expressed in astrocytes and thus these cells are obligatory partners in synaptic replenishment of both glutamate and GABA. The cycling processes also involve transporters for glutamate, GABA and glutamine and the operation of these transporters is discussed. Additionally, astrocytes appear to be essential for production of the neuromodulators, citrate, glycine and d-serine, aspects that will be briefly discussed.

The novel anticonvulsant neuropeptide and galanin analogue, NAX-5055, does not alter energy and amino acid metabolism in cultured brain cells

A large body of evidence suggests that the neuropeptide galanin plays an important role in seizure control. In line with this, it was demonstrated that the galanin analogue, NAX-5055, exerts a potent anticonvulsant activity in animal seizure models. We recently found that the NAX-5055-mediated anticonvulsant action involves modulation of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Since homeostasis of neurotransmitters and cerebral energy metabolism are intimately linked, it was investigated whether the effects of NAX-5055 on neurotransmission involve changes in energy metabolism and in particular glucose- and amino acid metabolism. With this aim, cultured neurons from mouse brain were incubated with [U-¹³ C]glucose in absence or presence of NAX-5055. Since effects of NAX-5055 on neurotransmission were detected during repetitive stimulation, we tested potential metabolic effects while mimicking repetitive bursts of neurotransmitter release as occurring in the intact brain. The metabolic pathways were mapped using gas-chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry. We found that NAX-5055 does not modify glucose metabolism in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Furthermore, the effect of NAX-5055 on astrocyte-neuron metabolic interactions was investigated by incubating co-cultures of astrocytes and either glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons with [U-¹³ C]glucose or the glial-selective substrate [1,2-¹³ C]acetate, with or without NAX-5055. In the presence of NAX-5055, no changes in the metabolic landscape were traced. The findings suggest that the anticonvulsant action of NAX-5055 and the accompanying changes in neurotransmission do not involve alterations in energy and amino acid metabolism. Hence, NAX-5055 appears to be an anti-seizure drug candidate displaying no unwanted side effects concerning brain energy and amino acid homeostasis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Glutamine Addiction In Gliomas

Cancer cells develop and succeed by shifting to different metabolic programs compared with their normal cell counterparts. One of the classical hallmarks of cancer cells is their higher glycolysis rate and lactate production even in the presence of abundant O₂ (Warburg effect). Another common metabolic feature of cancer cells is a high rate of glutamine (Gln) consumption normally exceeding their biosynthetic and energetic needs. The term Gln addiction is now widely used to reflect the strong dependence shown by most cancer cells for this essential nitrogen substrate after metabolic reprogramming. A Gln/glutamate (Glu) cycle occurs between host tissues and the tumor in order to maximize its growth and proliferation rates. The mechanistic basis for this deregulated tumor metabolism and how these changes are connected to oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways are becoming increasingly understood. Based on these advances, new avenues of research have been initiated to find novel therapeutic targets and to explore strategies that interfere with glutamine metabolism as anticancer therapies. In this review, we provided an updated overview of glutamine addiction in glioma, the most prevalent type of brain tumor.

Comparison of Glutamate Turnover in Nerve Terminals and Brain Tissue During [1,6-13C2]Glucose Metabolism in Anesthetized Rats

The ¹³C turnover of neurotransmitter amino acids (glutamate, GABA and aspartate) were determined from extracts of forebrain nerve terminals and brain homogenate, and fronto-parietal cortex from anesthetized rats undergoing timed infusions of [1,6-¹³C₂]glucose or [2-¹³C]acetate. Nerve terminal ¹³C fractional labeling of glutamate and aspartate was lower than those in whole cortical tissue at all times measured (up to 120 min), suggesting either the presence of a constant dilution flux from an unlabeled substrate or an unlabeled (effectively non-communicating on the measurement timescale) glutamate pool in the nerve terminals. Half times of ¹³C labeling from [1,6-¹³C₂]glucose, as estimated by least squares exponential fitting to the time course data, were longer for nerve terminals (Glu_C4, 21.8 min; GABA_C2 21.0 min) compared to cortical tissue (Glu_C4, 12.4 min; GABA_C2, 14.5 min), except for Asp_C3, which was similar (26.5 vs. 27.0 min). The slower turnover of glutamate in the nerve terminals (but not GABA) compared to the cortex may reflect selective effects of anesthesia on activity-dependent glucose use, which might be more pronounced in the terminals. The ¹³C labeling ratio for glutamate-C4 from [2-¹³C]acetate over that of ¹³C-glucose was twice as large in nerve terminals compared to cortex, suggesting that astroglial glutamine under the ¹³C glucose infusion was the likely source of much of the nerve terminal dilution. The net replenishment of most of the nerve terminal amino acid pools occurs directly via trafficking of astroglial glutamine.

Neuronal vs glial glutamate uptake: Resolving the conundrum

Neither normal brain function nor the pathological processes involved in neurological diseases can be adequately understood without knowledge of the release, uptake and metabolism of glutamate. The reason for this is that glutamate (a) is the most abundant amino acid in the brain, (b) is at the cross-roads between several metabolic pathways, and (c) serves as the major excitatory neurotransmitter. In fact most brain cells express glutamate receptors and are thereby influenced by extracellular glutamate. In agreement, brain cells have powerful uptake systems that constantly remove glutamate from the extracellular fluid and thereby limit receptor activation. It has been clear since the 1970s that both astrocytes and neurons express glutamate transporters. However the relative contribution of neuronal and glial transporters to the total glutamate uptake activity, however, as well as their functional importance, has been hotly debated ever since. The present short review provides (a) an overview of what we know about neuronal glutamate uptake as well as an historical description of how we got there, and (b) a hypothesis reconciling apparently contradicting observations thereby possibly resolving the paradox.

Glutaminases

Mammalian glutaminases catalyze the stoichiometric conversion of L-glutamine to L-glutamate and ammonium ions. In brain, glutaminase is considered the prevailing pathway for synthesis of the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate. Besides neurotransmission, the products of glutaminase reaction also fulfill crucial roles in energy and metabolic homeostasis in mammalian brain. In the last years, new functional roles for brain glutaminases are being uncovered by using functional genomic and proteomic approaches. Glutaminases may act as multifunctional proteins able to perform different tasks: the discovery of multiple transcript variants in neurons and glial cells, novel extramitochondrial localizations, and isoform-specific proteininteracting partners strongly support possible moonlighting functions for these proteins. In this chapter, we present a critical account of essential works on brain glutaminase 80 years after its discovery. We will highlight the impact of recent findings and thoughts in the context of the glutamate/glutamine brain homeostasis.

Maintaining the presynaptic glutamate supply for excitatory neurotransmission

Glutamate released from synapses during excitatory neurotransmission must be rapidly recycled to maintain neuronal communication. This review evaluates data from physiological experiments at hippocampal CA3 to CA1 synapses and the calyx of Held synapse in the brainstem to analyze quantitatively the rates of release and resupply of glutamate required to sustain neurotransmission. We calculate that, without efficient recycling, the presynaptic glutamate supply will be exhausted within about a minute of normal synaptic activity. We also discuss replenishment of the presynaptic pool by diffusion from the soma, direct uptake of glutamate back into the presynaptic terminal, and uptake of glutamate precursor molecules. Diffusion of glutamate from the soma is calculated to be fast enough to resupply presynaptic glutamate in the hippocampus but not at the calyx of Held. However, because the somatic cytoplasm will also quickly run out of glutamate and synapses can function continually even if the presynaptic axon is severed, mechanisms other than diffusion must be present to resupply glutamate for release. Direct presynaptic uptake of glutamate is not present at the calyx of Held but may play a role in glutamate recycling in the hippocampus. Alternatively, glutamine or tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates released from glia can serve as a precursor for glutamate in synaptic terminals, and we calculate that the magnitude of presynaptic glutamine uptake is sufficient to supply enough glutamate to sustain neurotransmission. The nature of these mechanisms, their relative abundance, and the co-ordination between them remain areas of intensive investigation.

Why are neurotransmitters neurotoxic? An evolutionary perspective

In the CNS, minor changes in the concentration of neurotransmitters such as glutamate or dopamine can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. We present an evolutionary perspective on the function of neurotransmitter toxicity in the CNS. We hypothesize that neurotransmitters are selected because of their toxicity, which serves as a test of neuron quality and facilitates the selection of neuronal pathways. This perspective may offer additional explanations for the reduction of neurotransmitter concentration in the CNS with age, and suggest an additional role for the blood-brain barrier. It may also suggest a connection between the specific toxicity of the neurotransmitters released in a specific region of the CNS, and elucidate their role as chemicals that are optimal for testing the quality of cells in that region.

Glutamate synthesis has to be matched by its degradation - where do all the carbons go?

The central process in energy production is the oxidation of acetyl-CoA to CO2 by the tricarboxylic acid (TCA, Krebs, citric acid) cycle. However, this cycle functions also as a biosynthetic pathway from which intermediates leave to be converted primarily to glutamate, GABA, glutamine and aspartate and to a smaller extent to glucose derivatives and fatty acids in the brain. When TCA cycle ketoacids are removed, they must be replaced to permit the continued function of this essential pathway, by a process termed anaplerosis. Since the TCA cycle cannot act as a carbon sink, anaplerosis must be coupled with cataplerosis; the exit of intermediates from the TCA cycle. The role of anaplerotic reactions for cellular metabolism in the brain has been studied extensively. However, the coupling of this process with cataplerosis and the roles that both pathways play in the regulation of amino acid, glucose, and fatty acid homeostasis have not been emphasized. The concept of a linkage between anaplerosis and cataplerosis should be underscored, because the balance between these two processes is essential. The hypothesis that cataplerosis in the brain is achieved by exporting the lactate generated from the TCA cycle intermediates into the blood and perivascular area is presented. This shifts the generally accepted paradigm of lactate generation as simply derived from glycolysis to that of oxidation and might present an alternative explanation for aerobic glycolysis. Intermediates leave the tricarboxylic acid cycle and must be replaced by a process termed anaplerosis that must be coupled to cataplerosis. We hypothesize that cataplerosis is achieved by exporting the lactate generated from the cycle into the blood and perivascular area. This shifts the paradigm of lactate generation as solely derived from glycolysis to that of oxidation and might present an alternative explanation for aerobic glycolysis.

Tumour associated epilepsy and glutamate excitotoxicity in patients with gliomas

Tumour associated epilepsy (TAE) is common, debilitating and often not successfully controlled by surgical resection of the tumour and administration of multiple anti-epileptic drugs. It represents a cause of significant lost quality of life in an incurable disease and is therefore an important subject for ongoing research. The pathogenesis of TAE is likely to be multifactorial and involve, on the microscopic level, the interaction of genetic factors, changes in the peritumoural microenvironment, alterations in synaptic neurotransmitter release and re-uptake, and the excitotoxic effects of glutamate. On a macroscopic level, the occurrence of TAE is likely to be influenced by tumour size, location and interaction with environmental factors. The optimal treatment of TAE requires a multi-disciplinary approach with input from neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, pathologists and basic scientists. This article reviews the current literature regarding the incidence, treatment, and aetiology of TAE.

Astrocytic Control of Biosynthesis and Turnover of the Neurotransmitters Glutamate and GABA

Glutamate and GABA are the quantitatively major neurotransmitters in the brain mediating excitatory and inhibitory signaling, respectively. These amino acids are metabolically interrelated and at the same time they are tightly coupled to the intermediary metabolism including energy homeostasis. Astrocytes play a pivotal role in the maintenance of the neurotransmitter pools of glutamate and GABA since only these cells express pyruvate carboxylase, the enzyme required for de novo synthesis of the two amino acids. Such de novo synthesis is obligatory to compensate for catabolism of glutamate and GABA related to oxidative metabolism when the amino acids are used as energy substrates. This, in turn, is influenced by the extent to which the cycling of the amino acids between neurons and astrocytes may occur. This cycling is brought about by the glutamate/GABA - glutamine cycle the operation of which involves the enzymes glutamine synthetase (GS) and phosphate-activated glutaminase together with the plasma membrane transporters for glutamate, GABA, and glutamine. The distribution of these proteins between neurons and astrocytes determines the efficacy of the cycle and it is of particular importance that GS is exclusively expressed in astrocytes. It should be kept in mind that the operation of the cycle is associated with movement of ammonia nitrogen between the two cell types and different mechanisms which can mediate this have been proposed. This review is intended to delineate the above mentioned processes and to discuss quantitatively their relative importance in the homeostatic mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of optimal conditions for the respective neurotransmission processes to operate.

Metabolic pathways and activity-dependent modulation of glutamate concentration in the human brain

Glutamate is one of the most versatile molecules present in the human brain, involved in protein synthesis, energy production, ammonia detoxification, and transport of reducing equivalents. Aside from these critical metabolic roles, glutamate plays a major part in brain function, being not only the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, but also the precursor for γ-aminobutyric acid, the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter. Regulation of glutamate levels is pivotal for normal brain function, as abnormal extracellular concentration of glutamate can lead to impaired neurotransmission, neurodegeneration and even neuronal death. Understanding how the neuron-astrocyte functional and metabolic interactions modulate glutamate concentration during different activation status and under physiological and pathological conditions is a challenging task, and can only be tentatively estimated from current literature. In this paper, we focus on describing the various metabolic pathways which potentially affect glutamate concentration in the brain, and emphasize which ones are likely to produce the variations in glutamate concentration observed during enhanced neuronal activity in human studies.

Valine but not leucine or isoleucine supports neurotransmitter glutamate synthesis during synaptic activity in cultured cerebellar neurons

Synthesis of neuronal glutamate from α-ketoglutarate for neurotransmission necessitates an amino group nitrogen donor; however, it is not clear which amino acid(s) serves this role. Thus, the ability of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine, to act as amino group nitrogen donors for synthesis of vesicular neurotransmitter glutamate was investigated in cultured mouse cerebellar (primarily glutamatergic) neurons. The cultures were superfused in the presence of (15) N-labeled BCAAs, and synaptic activity was induced by pulses of N-methyl-D-aspartate (300 μM), which results in release of vesicular glutamate. At the end of the superfusion experiment, the vesicular pool of glutamate was released by treatment with α-latrotoxin (3 nM, 5 min). This experimental paradigm allows a separate analysis of the cytoplasmic and vesicular pools of glutamate. Amount and extent of (15) N labeling of intracellular amino acids plus vesicular glutamate were analyzed employing HPLC and LC-MS analysis. Only when [(15) N]valine served as precursor did the labeling of both cytoplasmic and vesicular glutamate increase after synaptic activity. In addition, only [(15) N]valine was able to maintain the amount of vesicular glutamate during synaptic activity. This indicates that, among the BCAAs, only valine supports the increased need for synthesis of vesicular glutamate.

Amino acid transport system A is involved in inflammatory nociception in rats

Previous studies have indicated that central sensitization is a state of increased excitability of nociceptive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn following peripheral tissue injury and/or inflammation and astrocytes play an important role in the central sensitization. The current study investigated the role of amino acid transport system A in central sensitization and hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of formalin in rats. Formalin (5%, 50μl) injected subcutaneously into the unilateral hindpaw pad induced typical biphase nociceptive behaviors, including licking/biting and flinching of the injected paw and an increase of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP, an activated astrocyte marker) expression in spinal dorsal horn, and these effects could be attenuated by intrathecal injection of the competitive inhibitor of amino acid system A transporter, methylaminoisobutyric acid (MeAIB, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7mmol), in a dose-dependent manner. Intrathecal injection of vehicle (PBS) had no effect on the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors and increase of the GFAP. These findings suggest that amino acid transport system A is involved in inflammation-induced nociception, and inhibition of this transporter system results in inhibition of the central sensitization and hyperalgesia.

Roles of glutamine in neurotransmission

Glutamine (Gln) is found abundantly in the central nervous system (CNS) where it participates in a variety of metabolic pathways. Its major role in the brain is that of a precursor of the neurotransmitter amino acids: the excitatory amino acids, glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp), and the inhibitory amino acid, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA). The precursor-product relationship between Gln and Glu/GABA in the brain relates to the intercellular compartmentalization of the Gln/Glu(GABA) cycle (GGC). Gln is synthesized from Glu and ammonia in astrocytes, in a reaction catalyzed by Gln synthetase (GS), which, in the CNS, is almost exclusively located in astrocytes (Martinez-Hernandez et al., 1977). Newly synthesized Gln is transferred to neurons and hydrolyzed by phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG) to give rise to Glu, a portion of which may be decarboxylated to GABA or transaminated to Asp. There is a rich body of evidence which indicates that a significant proportion of the Glu, Asp and GABA derived from Gln feed the synaptic, neurotransmitter pools of the amino acids. Depolarization-induced-, calcium- and PAG activity-dependent releases of Gln-derived Glu, GABA and Asp have been observed in CNS preparations in vitro and in the brain in situ. Immunocytochemical studies in brain slices have documented Gln transfer from astrocytes to neurons as well as the location of Gln-derived Glu, GABA and Asp in the synaptic terminals. Patch-clamp studies in brain slices and astrocyte/neuron co-cultures have provided functional evidence that uninterrupted Gln synthesis in astrocytes and its transport to neurons, as mediated by specific carriers, promotes glutamatergic and GABA-ergic transmission. Gln entry into the neuronal compartment is facilitated by its abundance in the extracellular spaces relative to other amino acids. Gln also appears to affect neurotransmission directly by interacting with the NMDA class of Glu receptors. Transmission may also be modulated by alterations in cell membrane polarity related to the electrogenic nature of Gln transport or to uncoupled ion conductances in the neuronal or glial cell membranes elicited by Gln transporters. In addition, Gln appears to modulate the synthesis of the gaseous messenger, nitric oxide (NO), by controlling the supply to the cells of its precursor, arginine. Disturbances of Gln metabolism and/or transport contribute to changes in Glu-ergic or GABA-ergic transmission associated with different pathological conditions of the brain, which are best recognized in epilepsy, hepatic encephalopathy and manganese encephalopathy.

Neuron-glia interactions in glutamatergic neurotransmission: roles of oxidative and glycolytic adenosine triphosphate as energy source

Glutamatergic neurotransmission accounts for a considerable part of energy consumption related to signaling in the brain. Chemical energy is provided by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formed in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle combined with oxidative phosphorylation. It is not clear whether ATP generated in these pathways is equivalent in relation to fueling of the energy-requiring processes, i.e., vesicle filling, transport, and enzymatic processing in the glutamatergic tripartite synapse (the astrocyte and pre- and postsynapse). The role of astrocytic glycogenolysis in maintaining theses processes also has not been fully elucidated. Cultured astrocytes and neurons were utilized to monitor these processes related to glutamatergic neurotransmission. Inhibitors of glycolysis and TCA cycle in combination with pathway-selective substrates were used to study glutamate uptake and release monitored with D-aspartate. Western blotting of glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) was performed to determine whether these enzymes are associated with the cell membrane. We show that ATP formed in glycolysis is superior to that generated by oxidative phosphorylation in providing energy for glutamate uptake both in astrocytes and in neurons. The neuronal vesicular glutamate release was less dependent on glycolytic ATP. Dependence of glutamate uptake on glycolytic ATP may be at least partially explained by a close association in the membrane of GAPDH and PGK and the glutamate transporters. It may be suggested that these enzymes form a complex with the transporters and the Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase, the latter providing the sodium gradient required for the transport process.

Neurotransmitters in disorders of consciousness and brain damage

Restorations from disorders of consciousness such as the minimally conscious state and the vegetative state have been achieved spontaneously or by pharmacological agents such as zolpidem, baclofen, dopaminergic agents and tricyclic antidepressants in some patients. Other restoration methods have included electric and magnetic nerve stimulation, oxygen, Kreb's cycle constituent substitution and axonal re-growth. Although apparently unrelated, these methods all influence neurotransmitter availability or production within the brain. This review proposes depleted neurotransmitter function as a cause for long term brain suppression and disorders of consciousness. It unifies fundamentally different treatment approaches and explores the restoration of neurotransmitter function as a common theme to improve brain function after brain damage.

Glutamate and glutathione interplay in a motor neuronal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis reveals altered energy metabolism

Impairment of mitochondrial function might contribute to oxidative stress associated with neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Glutamate levels in tissues of ALS patients are sometimes altered. In neurons, mitochondrial metabolism of exogenous glutamine is mainly responsible for the net synthesis of glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter, but it is also necessary for the synthesis of glutathione, the main endogenous antioxidant. We investigated glutathione synthesis and glutamine/glutamate metabolism in a motor neuronal model of familial ALS. In standard culture conditions (with glutamine) or restricting glutamine or cystine, the level of glutathione was always lower in the cell line expressing the mutant (G93A) human Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (G93ASOD1) than in the line expressing wild-type SOD1. With glutamine the difference in glutathione was associated with a lower glutamate and impairment of the glutamine/glutamate metabolism as evidenced by lower glutaminase and cytosolic malate dehydrogenase activity. d-β-hydroxybutyrate, as an alternative to glutamine as energy substrate in addition to glucose, reversed the decreases of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase activity and glutamate and glutathione. However, in the G93ASOD1 cell line, in all culture conditions the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase l protein, which down-regulates pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, was induced, together with an increase in lactate release in the medium. These findings suggest that the glutathione decrease associated with mutant SOD1 expression is due to mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the reduction of the flow of glucose-derived pyruvate through the TCA cycle; it implies altered glutamate metabolism and depends on the different mitochondrial energy substrates.

Astrocyte oxidative metabolism and metabolite trafficking after fluid percussion brain injury in adult rats

Despite various lines of evidence pointing to the compartmentation of metabolism within the brain, few studies have reported the effect of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on neuronal and astrocyte compartments and/or metabolic trafficking between these cells. In this study we used ex vivo ¹³C NMR spectroscopy following an infusion of [1-¹³C] glucose and [1,2-¹³C₂] acetate to study oxidative metabolism in neurons and astrocytes of sham-operated and fluid percussion brain injured (FPI) rats at 1, 5, and 14 days post-surgery. FPI resulted in a decrease in the ¹³C glucose enrichment of glutamate in neurons in the injured hemisphere at day 1. In contrast, enrichment of glutamine in astrocytes from acetate was not significantly decreased at day 1. At day 5 the ¹³C enrichment of glutamate and glutamine from glucose in the injured hemisphere of FPI rats did not differ from sham levels, but glutamine derived from acetate metabolism in astrocytes was significantly increased. The ¹³C glucose enrichment of the C3 position of glutamate (C3) in neurons was significantly decreased ipsilateral to FPI at day 14, whereas the enrichment of glutamine in astrocytes had returned to sham levels at this time point. These findings indicate that the oxidative metabolism of glucose is reduced to a greater extent in neurons compared to astrocytes following a FPI. The increased utilization of acetate to synthesize glutamine, and the acetate enrichment of glutamate via the glutamate-glutamine cycle, suggests an integral protective role for astrocytes in maintaining metabolic function following TBI-induced impairments in glucose metabolism.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of glutamate-related abnormalities in mood disorders

In mood disorders, there is growing evidence for glutamatergic abnormalities derived from peripheral measures of glutamatergic metabolites in patients, postmortem studies on glutamate-related markers, and animal studies on the mechanism of action of available treatments. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has the potential to corroborate and extend these findings with the advantage of in vivo assessment of glutamate-related metabolites in different disease states, in response to treatment, and in relation with functional imaging data. In this article, we first review the biological significance of glutamate, glutamine, and Glx (composed mainly of glutamate and glutamine). Next, we review the MRS literature in mood disorders, examining these glutamate-related metabolites. Here, we find a highly consistent pattern of Glx-level reductions in major depressive disorder and elevations in bipolar disorder. In addition, studies of depression, regardless of diagnosis, provide suggestive evidence for reduced glutamine/glutamate ratio and in mania for elevated glutamine/glutamate ratio. These patterns suggest that the glutamate-related metabolite pool (not all of it necessarily relevant to neurotransmission) is constricted in major depressive disorder and expanded in bipolar disorder. Depressive and manic episodes may be characterized by modulation of the glutamine/glutamate ratio in opposite directions, possibly suggesting reduced versus elevated glutamate conversion to glutamine by glial cells, respectively. We discuss the implications of these results for the pathophysiology of mood disorders and suggest future directions for MRS studies.

Neurochemical changes in the developing rat hippocampus during prolonged hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is common during development and is associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental deficits in human infants. The effects of hypoglycemia on the developing hippocampus are poorly understood. The sequential changes in energy substrates, amino acids and phosphocreatine were measured from the hippocampus during 180 min of insulin-induced hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 2.5 mmol/L) in 14-day-old rats using in vivo(1)H NMR spectroscopy. Hypoglycemia resulted in neuroglycopenia (brain glucose < 0.5 micromol/g). However, the phosphocreatine/creatine (PCr/Cr) ratio was maintained in the physiological range until approximately 150 min of hypoglycemia, indicating that energy supply was sufficient to meet the energy demands. Lactate concentration decreased soon after the onset of neuroglycopenia. Beyond 60 min, glutamine and glutamate became the major energy substrates. A precipitous decrease in the PCr/Cr ratio, indicative of impending energy failure occurred only after significant depletion of these amino acids. Once glutamate and glutamine were significantly exhausted, aspartate became the final energy source. N-acetylaspartate concentration remained unaltered, suggesting preservation of neuronal/mitochondrial integrity during hypoglycemia. Correction of hypoglycemia normalized the PCr/Cr ratio and partially restored the amino acids to pre-hypoglycemia levels. Compensatory neurochemical changes maintain energy homeostasis during prolonged hypoglycemia in the developing hippocampus.

Brain glutaminases

Glutaminase is considered as the main glutamate producer enzyme in brain. Consequently, the enzyme is essential for both glutamatergic and gabaergic transmissions. Glutamine-derived glutamate and ammonia, the products of glutaminase reaction, fulfill crucial roles in energy metabolism and in the biosynthesis of basic metabolites, such as GABA, proteins and glutathione. However, glutamate and ammonia are also hazardous compounds and danger lurks in their generation beyond normal physiological thresholds; hence, glutaminase activity must be carefully regulated in the mammalian brain. The differential distribution and regulation of glutaminase are key factors to modulate the metabolism of glutamate and glutamine in brain. The discovery of novel isoenzymes, protein interacting partners and subcellular localizations indicate new functions for brain glutaminase. In this short review, we summarize recent findings that point consistently towards glutaminase as a multifaceted protein able to perform different tasks. Finally, we will highlight the involvement of glutaminase in pathological states and its consideration as a potential therapeutic target.

Functional expression of two system A glutamine transporter isoforms in rat auditory brainstem neurons

Glutamine plays multiple roles in the CNS, including metabolic functions and production of the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA. It has been proposed to be taken up into neurons via a variety of membrane transport systems, including system A, which is a sodium-dependent electrogenic amino acid transporter system. In this study, we investigate glutamine transport by application of amino acids to individual principal neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) in acutely isolated rat brain slices. A glutamine transport current was studied in patch-clamped neurons, which had the electrical and pharmacological properties of system A: it was sodium-dependent, had a non-reversing current-voltage relationship, was activated by proline, occluded by N-(methylamino)isobutyric acid (MeAIB), and was unaffected by 2-aminobicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH). Additionally, we examined the expression of different system A transporter isoforms using immunocytochemical staining with antibodies raised against system A transporter 1 and 2 (SAT1 and SAT2). Our results indicate that both isoforms are expressed in MNTB principal neurons, and demonstrate that functional system A transporters are present in the plasma membrane of neurons. Since system A transport is highly regulated by a number of cellular signaling mechanisms and glutamine then goes on to activate other pathways, the study of these transporters in situ gives an indication of the mechanisms of neuronal glutamine supply as well as points of regulation of neurotransmitter production, cellular signaling and metabolism in the native neuronal environment.

Increased vulnerability to depressive-like behavior of mice with decreased expression of VGLUT1

BACKGROUND

Many studies link depression to an increase in the excitatory-inhibitory ratio in the forebrain. Presynaptic alterations in a shared pathway of the glutamate/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) cycle may account for this imbalance. Evidence suggests that decreased vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) levels in the forebrain affect the glutamate/GABA cycle and induce helpless behavior. We studied decreased VGLUT1 as a potential factor enhancing a depressive-like phenotype in an animal model.

METHODS

Glutamate and GABA synthesis as well as oxidative metabolism were studied in heterozygous mice for the VGLUT1+/- and wildtype. The regulation of neurotransmitter levels, proteins involved in the glutamate/GABA cycle, and behavior by both genotype and chronic mild stress (CMS) were studied. Finally, the effect of chronic imipramine on VGLUT1 control and CMS mice was studied.

RESULTS

VGLUT1+/- mice showed increased neuronal synthesis of glutamate; decreased cortical and hippocampal GABA, VGLUT1, and excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) as well as helplessness and anhedonia. CMS induced an increase of glutamate and a decrease of GABA, the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) in both areas and led to upregulation of EAAT1 in the hippocampus. Moreover, CMS induced anhedonia, helplessness, anxiety, and impaired recognition memory. VGLUT1+/- CMS mice showed a combined phenotype (genotype plus stress) and specific alterations, such as an upregulation of VGLUT2 and hyperlocomotion. Moreover, an increased vulnerability to anhedonia and helplessness reversible by chronic imipramine was shown.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies highlight a crucial role for decreased VGLUT1 in the forebrain as a biological mediator of increased vulnerability to chronic mild stress.

Glutamine homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamics

Glutamine is a multifaceted amino acid that plays key roles in many metabolic pathways and also fulfils essential signaling functions. Although classified as non-essential, recent evidence suggests that glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid in several physiological situations. Glutamine homeostasis must therefore be exquisitely regulated and mitochondria represent a major site of glutamine metabolism in numerous cell types. Glutaminolysis is mostly a mitochondrial process with repercussions in organelle structure and dynamics suggesting a tight and mutual control between mitochondrial form and cell bioenergetics. In this review we describe an updated account focused on the critical involvement of glutamine in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and tumour cell proliferation, with special emphasis in the initial steps of mitochondrial glutamine pathways: transport into the organelle and hydrolytic deamidation through glutaminase enzymes. Some controversial issues about glutamine catabolism within mitochondria are also reviewed.

New insights into brain glutaminases: beyond their role on glutamatergic transmission

The synthesis of glutamate in brain must be exquisitely regulated because of its harmful potential giving rise to excitotoxic damage. In this sense, a stringent control based on multiple regulatory mechanisms should be expected to be exhibited by the biosynthetic enzymes responsible of glutamate generation, to assure that glutamate is only synthesized at the right place and at the right time. Glutaminase is considered as the main glutamate-producer enzyme in brain. Recently, novel glutaminase isoforms and extramitochondrial locations for these proteins have been discovered in the brain of mammals: identifying the function of each isozyme is essential for understanding the role of glutaminases in cerebral function. In addition, the interactome of glutaminases is starting to be uncovered adding a new level of regulatory complexity with important functional consequences, including selective and regulated targeting to concrete cellular locations. Finally, recent progress has identified glutaminase to be also present in astrocytes which precludes its classical consideration as a neuron-specific enzyme.

Metabolic and hemodynamic events after changes in neuronal activity: current hypotheses, theoretical predictions and in vivo NMR experimental findings

Unraveling the energy metabolism and the hemodynamic outcomes of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity is critical not only for our basic understanding of overall brain function, but also for the understanding of many brain disorders. Methodologies of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are powerful tools for the noninvasive investigation of brain metabolism and physiology. However, the temporal and spatial resolution of in vivo MRS and MRI is not suitable to provide direct evidence for hypotheses that involve metabolic compartmentalization between different cell types, or to untangle the complex neuronal microcircuitry, which results in changes of electrical activity. This review aims at describing how the current models of brain metabolism, mainly built on the basis of in vitro evidence, relate to experimental findings recently obtained in vivo by (1)H MRS, (13)C MRS, and MRI. The hypotheses related to the role of different metabolic substrates, the metabolic neuron-glia interactions, along with the available theoretical predictions of the energy budget of neurotransmission will be discussed. In addition, the cellular and network mechanisms that characterize different types of increased and suppressed neuronal activity will be considered within the sensitivity-constraints of MRS and MRI.