The distinct roles of AMPK in neurons and astrocytes following stroke

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is emerging as a key sensor of brain energy balance. In the periphery, AMPK acutely regulates cellular metabolism and chronically regulates gene expression, reducing energy storage and increasing energy production (glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation and glycogen utilization). We have demonstrated that AMPK is highly expressed in brain and is rapidly activated in energy deprived states such as ischemia. However, the consequences of AMPK activation in stroke may be complex as the two major types of brain cells, neurons and astrocytes, are metabolically distinct. Unlike peripheral tissues, neurons are lacking the key enzymes to produce ATP via glycolysis, the major ATP-generating pathway activated during ischemia. In addition, neurons do not oxidize fatty acids efficiently, and have no glycogen stores. Therefore it could be predicted that activating catabolic processes by up-regulation of neuronal AMPK during severe ischemia would propagate metabolic failure and acidosis. In contrast, astrocytes can perform glycolysis, oxidize fatty acids to form ketones, and store some glycogen providing an energy supply for ischemic neurons. Compelling evidence additionally demonstrates that through ATP production and release, astrocytes may protect neurons by reducing excitotoxicity, lowering calcium influx and decreasing microglia mediated inflammation. Activation of astrocytic AMPK will likely reduce cerebral ischemic injury. This highlights the importance of examining the effect of loss of AMPK selectively in astrocytes or neurons following stroke. We have developed mice that are deficient in the catalytic isoforms of AMPK in either neurons or astrocytes. We found that mice deficient in AMPK in astrocytes had worse functional recovery after stroke; interestingly we also observed increased hemorrhagic transformation in these astrocytic KO mice after stroke. The overall goal of this proposal is to first characterize stroke outcome on cel specific AMPK manipulation and secondly determine the metabolic response to such manipulation. Selectively targeting AMPK signaling, a fundamental metabolic pathway, will not only provide us with a better scientific understanding of basic neuronal and astrocytic energy dynamics, but will also allow us to identify cellular specific targets for future clinical development.