Cell non-autonomous control of autophagy and metabolism by glial cells

Melissa G. Metcalf; Samira Monshietehadi; Arushi Sahay; Jenni Durieux; Ashley E. Frakes; Martina Velichkovska; Cesar Mena; Amelia Farinas; Melissa Sanchez; Andrew Dillin

iScience (Apr 2024)

Cell non-autonomous control of autophagy and metabolism by glial cells

Melissa G. Metcalf,
Samira Monshietehadi,
Arushi Sahay,
Jenni Durieux,
Ashley E. Frakes,
Martina Velichkovska,
Cesar Mena,
Amelia Farinas,
Melissa Sanchez,
Andrew Dillin

Affiliations

Melissa G. Metcalf: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Samira Monshietehadi: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Arushi Sahay: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Jenni Durieux: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Ashley E. Frakes: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Martina Velichkovska: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Cesar Mena: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Amelia Farinas: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Melissa Sanchez: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Andrew Dillin: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Corresponding author

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 27, no. 4
p. 109354

Abstract

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Summary: Glia are the protectors of the nervous system, providing neurons with support and protection from cytotoxic insults. We previously discovered that four astrocyte-like glia can regulate organismal proteostasis and longevity in C. elegans. Expression of the UPRER transcription factor, XBP-1s, in these glia increases stress resistance, and longevity, and activates the UPRER in intestinal cells via neuropeptides. Autophagy, a key regulator of metabolism and aging, has been described as a cell autonomous process. Surprisingly, we find that glial XBP-1s enhances proteostasis and longevity by cell non-autonomously reprogramming organismal lipid metabolism and activating autophagy. Glial XBP-1s regulates the activation of another transcription factor, HLH-30/TFEB, in the intestine. HLH-30 activates intestinal autophagy, increases intestinal lipid catabolism, and upregulates a robust transcriptional program. Our study reveals a novel role for glia in regulating peripheral lipid metabolism, autophagy, and organellar health through peripheral activation of HLH-30 and autophagy.

Published in iScience

ISSN: 2589-0042 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Science
Website: http://www.cell.com/iscience/home

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Abstract

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