Astrocyte Bioenergetics and Major Psychiatric Disorders

Adv Neurobiol. 2021:26:173-227. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_9.

Abstract

Ongoing research continues to add new elements to the emerging picture of involvement of astrocyte energy metabolism in the pathophysiology of major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and addictions. This review outlines what is known about the energy metabolism in astrocytes, the most numerous cell type in the brain, and summarizes the recent work on how specific perturbations of astrocyte bioenergetics may contribute to the neuropsychiatric conditions. The role of astrocyte energy metabolism in mental health and disease is reviewed on the organism, organ, and cell level. Data arising from genomic, metabolomic, in vitro, and neurobehavioral studies is critically analyzed to suggest future directions in research and possible metabolism-focused therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Astrocyte; Bioenergetics; Glycolysis; Mitochondria; Psychiatric disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes
  • Brain
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders*
  • Schizophrenia*