Oligodendrocyte precursor cell-specific blocking of low-glucose-induced activation of AMPK ensures myelination and remyelination

It has been shown that in most cells, low glucose leads to activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via the lysosomal glucose-sensing pathway, where glycolytic aldolase acts as the glucose sensor. Here, we show that ALDOC (aldolase C), the predominant isozyme of aldolase in mouse and rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), is acetylated at lysine 14, making the lysosomal glucose-sensing AMPK pathway unable to operate. We find that the blockage of AMPK activation is required for the proper proliferation and differentiation of OPCs into mature oligodendrocytes for myelination during development and for remyelination in areas of demyelination where the local glucose levels are low. Therefore, the acetylation of aldolase acts as a checkpoint for AMPK activation in response to low glucose to ensure the proliferation and differentiation of OPCs for myelination, and remyelination of demyelinated neurons. Inhibition of AMPK activation under low glucose conditions in oligodendrocyte precursor cells is shown to be important for myelination during development and remyelination in neuronal disorders.