Implication of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the adaptive properties of astrocytes in health and disease

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is considered as the fuel gauge of eukaryotic cells and coordinates their metabolic adaptation in response to stress. Little is known regarding this enzyme in astrocytes, which are known to play a critical role in the regulation of energy metabolism in the nervous system. As such, these cells are essential supportive partners for the well-functioning of neurons. Alterations of their functions bear severe consequences, and are commonly reported in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this work, we assessed the role of AMPK in the regulation of key astrocytic functions, such as their glutamate handling capacity and metabolic adaptation to stress, in health and in the context of ALS. We provided further evidence supporting that astrocytes are resilient to alterations in their environment, and we propose that AMPK is involved in the regulation of some of their adaptive functions.