Scientists discover key regulator of neuron function and survival

Scientists studying neuronal energy metabolism found evidence the loss of an important energy regulator called AMPK in neural stem cells or glial cells called astrocytes causes neuronal death in laboratory rodents. Publishing their findings in Cell Reports, researchers also discovered AMPK loss in neural stem cells or neurons causes spontaneous brain seizures in the animals. The study provides evidence that a medication used to treat diabetes may help control epileptic seizures.