Figure 3.

Lipid metabolism in the adult brain. All lipids are produced based on two main components: cholesterol and FAs. Cholesterol is synthesized primarily at the ER of astrocytes and is further transported to neurons and oligodendrocytes via ApoE and ABCA1 transporters. FAs, however, are produced by neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Additionally, FAs also bind to ApoE for their transport. FAs are used as a fuel source in β-oxidation predominantly by astrocytes, but also by neurons and oligodendrocytes. Alternatively, all neural cell types contain lipid droplets for storage. Finally, all cells are able to produce phospholipids and sphingolipids within the ER. ABCA1 = ATP-binding cassette transporter A1; ApoE = apolipoprotein E; ER = endoplasmatic reticulum; LDLR = low-density lipoprotein receptor.