Recent research from Yale University has unveiled that neurons possess their own glycogen reserves, functioning as 'backup batteries' to sustain brain activity during metabolic stress. This discovery challenges the traditional belief that glial cells are the primary energy providers for neurons.
The study, published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, utilized the nematode *Caenorhabditis elegans* to demonstrate that neurons can store and mobilize glycogen, providing an alternative energy source when primary systems are compromised. This mechanism is particularly significant in conditions like stroke, neurodegeneration, and epilepsy, where energy supply is disrupted.
Understanding this process opens potential avenues for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at protecting neurons from metabolic stress, potentially improving outcomes for patients with various neurological disorders.