Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by elusive underlying mechanisms. Recent attention has focused on the involvement of astrocytes and microglia in ASD pathology. These glial cells play pivotal roles in maintaining neuronal homeostasis, including the regulation of metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between ASD and inborn errors of metabolism. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the functions of microglia and astrocytes in ASD is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This review aims to provide a summary of the metabolism of astrocytes and microglia during post-natal development and the evidence of disrupted metabolic pathways in ASD, with particular emphasis on those potentially important for the regulation of neuronal post-natal maturation by astrocytes and microglia.
1 Introduction
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) constitute a complex spectrum of conditions characterized by disruptions in brain development during childhood. The manifestation of neural dysfunction in early life, coupled with the potential for enduring care needs, imposes a substantial burden on society, encompassing social, economic, and medical dimensions. ASDs present a spectrum of conditions stemming from diverse genetic mutations, sharing common phenotypic neuronal alterations that encompass stunted axonal and dendritic arbor growth, deficits in synapse formation, and immature dendritic spines (). This phenotypic convergence across various ASDs hints at shared molecular mechanisms driving these alterations. While much neurodevelopmental disorders and ASDs research traditionally focused on intrinsic neuronal changes, emerging insights emphasize the pivotal role of alterations in glial cells as well (Petrelli and Bezzi, 2016; ; ; ,; ; Xiong et al., 2023). Indeed, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that disruptions in the intricately balanced interactions among neurons, astrocytes, and microglia can contribute to the onset of ASDs. Astrocytes and microglia play a pivotal role in the regulation of neuronal circuit formation and maturation (; Salter and Stevens, 2017; Stogsdill and Eroglu, 2017; ; Thion et al., 2018; Wilton et al., 2019; Thion and Garel, 2020; ) and conditions like ASDs have been associated with irregularities in the post-natal maturation of both astrocyte and microglial functions. Maturation delays in glial cells, which encompass mechanisms regulating synapse formation and synaptic homeostasis, are often observed in the context of metabolic dysfunctions occurring since the early phase of post-natal development. While the energy function in the aging brain and related neurodegenerative disorders has been extensively explored (; ; Xiong et al., 2022), there is still limited attention to the metabolic changes occurring in the post-natal period and their implications for ASDs. This is largely due to our limited understanding of the metabolic program unfolding during brain development and the specific nutrient dependencies integral to this process. In this review, we aim to delve into emerging evidence regarding the metabolic insights of glial cells during post-natal development and their potential importance in regulating the maturation of both glial cells and neuronal circuits in the brain.
2 Post-natal energy needs of the brain
During post-natal development, the brain undergoes remarkable structural and functional changes, accompanied by significantly heightened energy demands that surpass those of other organs in the body. The newborn human brain, comprising about 13% of body weight, contributes to approximately 60% of the body’s daily energy requirement (; ; , ; Magistretti and Allaman, 2015; ; ; Scheiblich et al., 2020; ). Understanding the reasons behind these remarkable energy costs associated with brain function, especially during development, necessitates an exploration of the various components and processes within the brain that incur energy expenditure.
From an evolutionary standpoint, analyzing the glucose and oxygen metabolic rates of the awake adult brain, suggests a linear correlation between the energy consumption and the number of neurons present (). Recent estimations indicate that neurons alone consume 75–80% of the energy produced in adult brains, with the remaining energy allocated to glial-based processes (; Magistretti and Allaman, 2015; ). The energy demands of neurons arise most from the generation of action potentials and the intricate processes involved in synaptic transmission, including ion fluxes, neurotransmitter release and reuptake, and vesicle cycling (; Magistretti and Allaman, 2015; ).
In the developing brain, it is important to note that the energy requirement during the rapid post-natal growth is due to a swift developmental progression, predominantly driven by the intricate maturation and refinement of existing neurons, as neurogenesis primarily occurs before birth. Indeed, the brain’s adaptability during the post-natal period relies on constant architectural remodeling, involving the addition or elimination of synapses to strengthen or weaken neuronal network activities. This ongoing restructuring necessitates the continuous synthesis and turnover of proteins, lipids, and amino acids, essential for supporting the molecular modifications underlying brain plasticity (Magistretti, 2011; ; ; Magistretti and Allaman, 2015; Wilton et al., 2019). Crucially, during rapid post-natal growth, the maturation, and refinement of existing glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, contribute significantly to energy demands. Astrocytes, originating from neural stem cells, reach their final destinations by migrating along radial glia during early post-natal development (; ). Their numbers robustly increase between birth and the third post-natal week (; ), coinciding with the surge in dendritic and synaptic growth and the maturation of neuronal communication and network properties (Wang and Bordey, 2008; ; Semple et al., 2013). During post-natal maturation, astrocytes morphogenesis by extending processes to contact blood vessels and synapses and forming the “tripartite synapse” (; Perea et al., 2009; Santello et al., 2012), regulate synaptic connectivity and function and participate in neurotransmitter uptake and release, crucial for fine-tuning synaptic activity (Vesce et al., 1999; ; ; ; ; ; Petrelli et al., 2023). Recent research emphasizes the association between proper astrocyte maturation and the formation, maturation, and pruning of synapses (Stogsdill et al., 2017; ; Zehnder et al., 2021). For example, astrocytes play a vital role in providing trophic and metabolic factors that support synaptic growth and refinement, including thrombospondins, glypicans and cholesterol (Petrelli and Bezzi, 2016; ; Stogsdill and Eroglu, 2017; ).
Microglia, the immune cells resident in the central nervous system, begin colonizing the brain from E8.5. They undergo parenchymal proliferation and experience a dieback phase, eventually reaching adult levels of these brain-resident macrophages during the second post-natal week in rodents (Lenz and Nelson, 2018). The principal maturation phase of microglia occurs during post-natal development (Wurm et al., 2021; Zengeler and Lukens, 2021). Initially, they exhibit immature metabolic and molecular features and display an amoeboid morphology. As development progresses, microglia gradually adopt a mature phenotype, characterized by distinct morphological and functional differences compared to their immature form, including a transition to a ramified morphology. This maturation of microglia is crucial for their involvement in a range of neurodevelopmental processes, such as population control, supporting the differentiation and maturation of developing cells, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth, axon tract fasciculation, and synaptic pruning (Paolicelli et al., 2011; Thion et al., 2018; Prinz et al., 2019; Thion and Garel, 2020; ; ).
3 Post-natal brain metabolism and the metabolic flexibility of astrocytes and microglial cells
To satisfy its substantial energy requirements, the mature brain primarily depends on glucose as its main energy source (). Astrocytes play a significant role in glucose uptake, a function attributed to their abundant expression of glucose transporters, gap junction channels, and glucose-metabolizing enzymes within their perivascular domains (Rouach et al., 2008; ; ; Magistretti and Allaman, 2015). It is now understood that astrocytes, rather than neurons, are the primary generators of energy through the glycolytic pathway (; Magistretti and Allaman, 2015). They express specific glycolytic enzymes, enabling them to obtain 80% of their glucose supply through glycolysis. In contrast, neurons, with inhibited enzymes such as 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), are more reliant on phosphorylation (Magistretti and Allaman, 2018). Notably, astrocytes predominantly express lactate dehydrogenase 5 (LDH5), which facilitates the conversion of pyruvate to lactate, while neurons exclusively express LDH1, favoring the reverse reaction (). Additionally, the higher NADH to NAD + ratio in astrocytes further promotes the reduction of pyruvate to lactate (Mongeon et al., 2016). Astrocytes respond to neuronal activity by taking up glutamate, which can be recycled through the glutamate-glutamine cycle (; McKenna, 2007). Recent studies, such as that by , have highlighted the indispensability of this cycle for synaptic transmission and memory. The uptake of glutamate triggers aerobic glycolysis, leading to the secretion of lactate. In accordance with the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) model (Pellerin and Magistretti, 1994; ; Magistretti and Allaman, 2018), neurons utilize these extracellular monocarboxylates, channeling them into the mitochondrial respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) processes to ultimately produce energy.
Mature microglial cells, like astrocytes, are capable of glucose uptake. However, unlike astrocytes, microglia primarily depend on oxidative glycolysis. This understanding stems from various cell type-specific transcriptomic studies, which have shown that microglia express transporters and enzymes necessary for glucose metabolism (Zhang et al., 2014; ; Zeisel et al., 2018). Among the multiple glucose transporter (GLUT) isoforms transcribed in microglia, GLUT3 is notable for being highly expressed, similar to its expression in neurons. The reliance of microglia on oxidative glycolysis has been suggested by comprehensive functional studies, particularly those examining the metabolic pathways that support their continuous and dynamic motility during the resting surveillance phase. Initial studies involving microglial cell lines or primary microglia in meticulously controlled cell cultures have provided valuable insights into the specific nutritional needs of microglia. However, it’s important to recognize that cultured microglia display distinct transcriptional signatures and phenotypes, markedly different from those in their natural in vivo environment (; ; ). The utilization of oxidative pathways by adult microglial cells has been recently corroborated by transcriptomic studies. These studies indicate that mouse microglia transcribe most of the genes necessary for OXPHOS, thereby confirming their primary reliance on oxidative metabolism of glucose (Zhang et al., 2014; ; Orihuela et al., 2016; ).
The metabolism of the developing brain in suckling mammals significantly differs from that of mature individuals (Figure 1). During lactation, and with the post-natal consumption of high-fat milk, ketone bodies (KBs), derived from fatty acids and produced by the liver, provide much of the energy required by the neonatal brain (; ; Vannucci and Vannucci, 2000; Nehlig, 2004; Oyarzábal et al., 2021). Therefore, the key factors in energy metabolism during neurodevelopment include glucose, lactate, and KBs (Oyarzábal et al., 2021).
FIGURE 1
Although glucose is the primary energy source in the adult brain, its role in the neonatal brain is relatively subdued despite similar bloodstream levels to adults (Vannucci and Vannucci, 2000; ). This is partly due to the limited number of GLUTs present during this developmental stage, which restricts glucose use in early post-natal development (Vannucci et al., 1994; Vannucci and Simpson, 2003). GLUT1, responsible for transporting glucose across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is mainly expressed by endothelial cells and astrocytes, while GLUT3 is primarily expressed by neurons (Vannucci et al., 1994; Zhang et al., 2016; ). After weaning, when mammals switch to carbohydrate-based nutrition, the expression of both GLUT1 and GLUT3 increases significantly (Figure 2), coinciding with glucose replacing lactate and KBs as the main energy substrate (Zhang et al., 2014, 2016; ; ). Little is known about the glucose metabolism of microglial cells during post-natal development, but recent meta-analyses of transcriptomic and proteomic studies suggest that developing mouse microglia transcribe most of the genes necessary for glycolysis, implying a predominant reliance on glycolytic glucose metabolism (Zhang et al., 2014; ; ). The post-natal expression of various GLUT isoforms, including GLUT3 and GLUT5, suggests an ability to utilize different sugars. Notably, in the central nervous system, microglia appear to be the only cells expressing the GLUT5 hexose transporter, predominantly specific for fructose. However, given the limited availability of fructose in the brain under physiological conditions, the functional role of GLUT5 remains unclear (Payne et al., 1997; ; ). Under inflammatory conditions, GLUT1 expression is upregulated in microglia (Wang et al., 2019), increasing glucose uptake and promoting glycolysis, which underscores how metabolic changes contribute to modulating microglial homeostasis (Lauro and Limatola, 2020). The primary rate-limiting enzymes in glucose metabolism are hexokinases (HKs), which catalyze the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate (Wilson, 2003, 2006). Of the four main HK isozymes (HK1-4), each has distinct biochemical features and catalytic activities (Wilson, 2003, 2006). HK1 and HK2, historically recognized as primarily expressed in the brain and muscle/adipose tissues, respectively, (Wilson, 2006), are associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane, facilitating access to mitochondrial ATP to promote glycolysis (Wilson, 2006; Pastorino and Hoek, 2008). Recent research has identified selective HK2 expression in microglia, predominantly in neurons and astrocytes (). A transcriptome meta-analysis revealed that microglial HK2 levels peak in the early phase of post-natal development (P7-P14) (Zhang et al., 2016; ; ; Figure 2). A study in rodents demonstrated that genetic ablation of HK2 leads to decreased microglial glycolytic flux and energy production, inhibiting microglial repopulation, attenuating surveillance, and impairing migration triggered by damage (). These findings suggest a crucial role for microglial glycolysis in the post-natal brain.
FIGURE 2
It is believed that the perinatal brain is greatly reliant on the metabolism of lactate and KBs, but this reliance seems to diminish gradually as the use of glucose increases (Vannucci and Vannucci, 2000) and the precise rate, timing, and triggers of the shift to glucose metabolism has been extensively investigated (Medina and Tabernero, 2005). Rodent brain actively uses lactate during the fetal stage, early neonatal period, and suckling phase (Medina and Tabernero, 2005) but, throughout the perinatal period, various other nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids are transplacentally transferred from the mother and can easily enter the brain through the still incompletely formed BBB (
FIGURE 3

The mitochondria play a key role in both ketogenesis and ketolysis pathways. Ketogenesis primarily takes place in hepatic mitochondria, utilizing acetyl-CoA generated through the β-oxidation of fatty acyl-CoA. Subsequently, extrahepatic tissues absorb these ketone bodies, such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate (AcAc), via the monocarboxylic acid transporter (MCT). BHB can fuel the brain as alternative energy substrates under non-physiological conditions such as starvation, insulin-resistance and during post-natal development. In the mitochondria of the brain cells, ketolysis occurs, converting BHB and AcAc back into Acetyl-CoA. This process generates ATP through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the electron transport chain (ETC). Figure modified from
In contrast to microglial cells, astrocytes express high levels of LDHB and other glycolytic enzymes in the later stages of post-natal development when their maturation is nearly complete (Zhang et al., 2016;
Unlike fatty acids, which maintain equilibrium with the rest of the body, almost all brain cholesterol is synthesized by astrocytes (Pfrieger and Ungerer, 2011). This is because cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins, except for some very dense high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), cannot readily cross the BBB (
In conclusion, the metabolic landscape of the developing brain is marked by dynamic shifts in its preference for energy substrates, with astrocytes and microglia playing pivotal yet distinct roles at various developmental stages. While glucose serves as the primary energy source in the mature brain, the neonatal brain initially relies on lactate and ketone bodies (KBs), gradually transitioning to a greater dependence on glucose. Astrocytes, during post-natal development, show a predilection for mitochondrial metabolism, including FAs oxidation and ketolysis. In contrast, microglial cells depend on glycolysis, facilitated by the expression of a variety of glucose transporters and enzymes (Figure 4). Understanding the intricate interactions between astrocytes and microglia in meeting the energy requirements of developing brain neurons is essential for advancing our comprehension of the mechanisms that drive the functional and structural maturation of neuronal circuits.
FIGURE 4

The alteration in metabolism of astrocytes and microglia observed during the perinatal critical period aligns with the onset of dendritogenesis, synaptogenesis and pruning in mice. Figure modified from Oury and Pierani (2023).
4 Dysregulation of metabolic pathways in ASDs: exploring implications for glial cell metabolism
Although the cause of ASDs is identified in only <10% of cases (Lord et al., 2020), it’s believed that their etiology involves a complex interplay of multigenic interactions and environmental, infectious, metabolic, and nutritional factors (Niemi et al., 2018; Tãrlungeanu and Novarino, 2018; Lord et al., 2020). However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely unclear. A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulated glial cells can contribute to many of the neurological symptoms observed in various neurodevelopmental disorders (Petrelli et al., 2016, 2023; Neniskyte and Gross, 2017; Petrelli and Bezzi, 2018;
ASDs are heterogeneous, highly heritable neurodevelopmental conditions, characterized by deficits in sociability and communication, as well as the presence of restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns (Lord et al., 2020). The diversity of molecular pathways associated with ASDs reflects the complexity of their etiology (Lord et al., 2020), and deciphering their genetic-environmental interactions provides valuable insights into their biological underpinnings. Metabolic disruption and mitochondrial dysfunctions are notably more prevalent in ASD patients compared to the general population, suggesting a potential involvement of mitochondrial metabolism in ASD development, although its specific role remains elusive (Rossignol and Frye, 2012;
The hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunctions may contribute to ASDs has been evolving since 1985 when lactic acidosis was observed in 5% of autistic patients (
Our understanding of the mitochondria-ASD relationship has expanded in the last years through numerous studies (Rossignol and Frye, 2012;
The potential involvement of glial cells in the development of ASD-related deficits extends to lipid metabolism. Lipids play a critical role in various aspects of neuronal development, including migration, differentiation, morphogenesis, myelination, memory formation, and synaptic plasticity, all of which are crucial for proper neurodevelopment (Salvati et al., 2000; Wang and Eckel, 2014). These processes are especially pertinent to ASDs, as they significantly influence neurodevelopmental trajectories (
The role of lipids, particularly the involvement of glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase (GNPAT), is pivotal in understanding the onset of ASDs. GNPAT, which is crucial for ether phospholipid synthesis, is prominently expressed in astrocytes and microglia during post-natal development (Zhang et al., 2014, 2016;
Mitochondrial dysfunctions are increasingly recognized as crucial contributors to the onset of inflammatory processes (Marchi et al., 2023). Mitochondria, beyond being the energy powerhouses of cells, play a pivotal role in regulating immune responses. When their function is compromised, it can lead to an accumulation of ROS and the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytoplasm. Both ROS and mtDNA act as potent triggers for inflammatory signaling pathways. Elevated ROS levels, for instance, can activate the NF-κB pathway, a central regulator of inflammation, resulting in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunctions can disrupt cellular energy balance, affecting metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the TCA cycle, and thereby exacerbating inflammatory responses. A shift toward glycolysis, often observed in immune cells during inflammation, is linked to mitochondrial impairments. This metabolic reprogramming, known as the Warburg effect, involves increased glucose uptake and lactate production, a phenomenon commonly seen in activated immune cells like macrophages and microglia. The altered metabolic state not only meets the energy demands of these cells but also contributes to the production of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, there is a clear interrelationship between inflammation and glycolysis. Inflammatory responses necessitate the coordination of multiple players, including innate immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages, as well as brain cell types like microglia. When activated, microglial cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, initially using glycolysis as an energy source during peak inflammation and later relying on OXPHOS metabolism during the resolution phase to adopt a pro-resolving phenotype (
Significantly, many studies have found that early-life inflammation is a risk factor for various neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASDs (
5 Conclusions
The intricate interplay between astrocytes, microglia, and metabolic dysregulation in the context of ASDs reveals a complex landscape of potential contributors to the etiology of these neurodevelopmental conditions. The evidence presented underscores the importance of astrocytes and microglia, in the manifestation of ASDs-related deficits. The observed dysregulation in metabolic pathways, ranging from mitochondrial dysfunction to alterations in lipid metabolism and glycolytic shifts, adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying ASDs. Future research endeavors should focus on unraveling the specific molecular pathways that link glial cell dysfunction and metabolic irregularities to ASDs pathophysiology. Targeting these pathways could provide novel therapeutic avenues for ASDs interventions. Additionally, investigating the impact of environmental factors, such as nutrition and inflammation, on glial cell function and metabolism during critical developmental periods may offer insights into preventive strategies. In the realm of future perspectives, leveraging evolving model systems, particularly those derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), holds tremendous promise in advancing our comprehension of the intricate relationship between astrocytes, microglia (
Statements
Author contributions
IC: Writing – review & editing. CC: Writing – review & editing. GD: Writing – review & editing. CL: Writing – review & editing. PB: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This review was funded by Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF (310030_185363) to PB; Telethon Italy (GGP20037) to PB; ERANET-Neuron SNSF (31NE30_204022) to PB; PRIN 2020: 2020Z73J5A to CL; AIRC 2019: IG-23010 to CL; Next Generation EU: Rome Technopole FP7. ECS 0000024 Rome Technopole, CUP B83C22002820006, PNRR Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.5 to CL.
Acknowledgments
We thank Vigna Graphic Design for assistance in designing, developing, and reviewing graphics and artwork.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
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Summary
Keywords
astrocyte, microglia, mitochondria, brain metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, lipids, lactate, autism spectrum disorders
Citation
Cantando I, Centofanti C, D’Alessandro G, Limatola C and Bezzi P (2024) Metabolic dynamics in astrocytes and microglia during post-natal development and their implications for autism spectrum disorders. Front. Cell. Neurosci. 18:1354259. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354259
Received
12 December 2023
Accepted
02 February 2024
Published
14 February 2024
Volume
18 - 2024
Edited by
Simona D’Antoni, National Research Council (CNR), Italy
Reviewed by
Ryuta Koyama, The University of Tokyo, Japan
Daniela Valenti, National Research Council (CNR), Italy
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© 2024 Cantando, Centofanti, D’Alessandro, Limatola and Bezzi.
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*Correspondence: Paola Bezzi, paola.bezzi@unil.ch; paola.bezzi@uniroma1.it
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