Mitochondrial One-Carbon Metabolism and Alzheimer's Disease

Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jun 7;25(12):6302. doi: 10.3390/ijms25126302.

Abstract

Mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism provides carbon units to several pathways, including nucleic acid synthesis, mitochondrial metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and methylation reactions. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, characterised by impaired energy metabolism, and is potentially linked to mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here, we discuss the intersection between the molecular pathways linked to both mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism and Alzheimer's disease. We propose that enhancing one-carbon metabolism could promote the metabolic processes that help brain cells cope with Alzheimer's disease-related injuries. We also highlight potential therapeutic avenues to leverage one-carbon metabolism to delay Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; folate; mitochondria; one-carbon metabolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease* / pathology
  • Animals
  • Carbon* / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria* / metabolism

Substances

  • Carbon

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the UK Medical Research Council, intramural project MC_UU_00025/3 (RG94521).