New research reveals that glucose in the brain does more than fuel cells — it acts as a signal that controls when stem-like cells mature into myelin-producing cells. Myelin is the fatty insulation wrapped around nerve fibers that speeds up communication between brain regions. Without enough myelin, signals slow down, affecting everything from motor skills to learning.
The research
Scientists at the Advanced Science Research Center at CUNY Graduate Center, led by postdoctoral researcher Sami Sauma, published their study in Nature Neuroscience. They mapped glucose levels across developing mouse brains using a technique called MALDI imaging. They found that brain regions with higher glucose levels had more actively dividing oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), while areas with lower glucose levels contained cells that had started maturing into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes.
"Our findings show that glucose is not just fuel for the brain, it's also a signal for the cells to divide," said Sauma. The team identified an enzyme, ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), that converts glucose into acetyl-CoA inside the cell nucleus. This molecule helps turn on genes needed for cell multiplication. When the researchers deleted the ACLY gene in OPCs of mice, those cells could not multiply effectively, leading to a temporary reduction in myelin. However, the cells could still mature by switching to alternative fuels like ketone bodies.
Why it matters
This discovery helps explain why myelin develops at different speeds in different brain regions, a long-standing puzzle. The timing of myelin formation is critical for developmental milestones like crawling, walking, and talking. The study also highlights a critical window for premature babies (32–40 weeks gestation), when white matter is especially vulnerable. Understanding this metabolic signal could lead to new ways to protect the developing brain.
What you can do
While this research is in mice, it underscores the importance of stable blood sugar for brain health. Eating a balanced diet with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats helps maintain steady glucose levels. For a direct cognitive boost, consider brain training exercises that challenge processing speed and memory.
Source: Neuroscience News
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