Scientists at Tohoku University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the crucial role of lactate in the development of our brains. Lactate, a byproduct of exercise and metabolism, has long been known to serve as an energy source for the brain during oxygen limitation. However, the recent study reported in the Journal of Biological Chemistry on June 10, 2023, reveals that lactate plays an even more significant role in our brains by facilitating the transformation of neural stem cells into specialized neurons, a process called neuronal differentiation. Moreover, researchers have unraveled how lactate communicates with the cells, influencing and enhancing neuronal functions. This newfound knowledge opens doors for potential applications in exercise encouragement and the development of cognitive disease treatments.
The discovery of the cellular mechanisms through which lactate influences brain development marks a momentous breakthrough in neuroscience. Lactate, once primarily known as an energy source during exercise, now takes center stage as a key player in the intricate processes that shape our brains.
With this newfound knowledge, researchers may unlock new ways to promote healthy brain development and explore innovative treatments for cognitive diseases. Lactate stands out as a promising avenue of exploration, offering hope for a brighter future in brain health and cognition.
During pregnancy, lactate levels in fetal brains increase from mid-gestation, indicating its importance in the brain's development and neuronal differentiation. In the study conducted at Tohoku University, researchers investigated the impact of lactate on neuronal cells and discovered that lactate acts as a crucial cellular signaling molecule in the nervous system.
Professor Ryoichi Nagatomi and his research team, in collaboration with Associate Professor Joji Kusuyama from Tokyo Medical and Dental University, led the investigation. They hypothesized that lactate could influence comprehensive gene expression and, thus, neuronal function. To test their hypothesis, they examined gene regulation in neuroblastoma cells treated with lactate while removing a specific protein called NDRG3, known to mediate gene regulation in the presence of lactate.
The findings were remarkable. Lactate indeed plays a key role in neural differentiation through both NDRG3-dependent and NDRG3-independent pathways. This means that lactate can impact neuronal development even when NDRG3 is not present. Additionally, the study identified two transcription factors, TEAD1 and ELF4, which are controlled by both lactate and NDRG3 during neuronal differentiation, shedding light on the intricate molecular processes at play.
The implications of this study are far-reaching. While lactate's significance as an energy source for the brain during exercise has been well-established, understanding its role in promoting neural differentiation paves the way for new possibilities in neuroscience. These findings could be the stepping stones towards harnessing lactate signaling to encourage exercise or designing drugs that target cognitive diseases.
Professor Nagatomi and his team envision that their research could lead to better comprehension of brain function adaptations, including cognition and memory, when changes in lactate levels are considered. By measuring the changes in lactate levels caused by human exercise, researchers may gain valuable insights into brain function alterations, potentially guiding the development of targeted interventions for cognitive disorders.