Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 12-12-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Gregory Macleod

Abstract

De novo generation of ATP through glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation is too slow to sustain intense neuronal activity and stabilize ATP levels, suggesting there might be another energy pool at play. The phosphagen system, extensively researched in muscles, is an ATP regeneration pathway; quickly producing ATP through ADP re-phosphorylation. Its presence has been observed in neurons, yet its involvement in neuronal power demands remains poorly understood. To investigate the phosphagen system’s impact on neuronal energy metabolism, we examined Drosophila melanogaster motor neurons, which had arginine kinase knocked down while using genetically-encoded fluorescent reporters of pH, calcium, and ATP. Data obtained while stimulating these terminals at high frequency suggest that the phosphagen system’s presence in neurons contributes to presynaptic energy metabolism. Investigating the role of phosphagen systems in neurons will provide a better understanding of neuronal bioenergetics, and perhaps, insight into possible causes of and therapeutic strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders.

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