The importance of muscle glycogen phosphorylase in glial cells function

Abstract

The three isoforms of glycogen phosphorylase — PYGM, PYGB, and PYGL — are expressed in glial cells. Unlike PYGB and PYGL, PYGM is the only isoform regulated by Rac1. This specific regulation may confer a differential functional role compared with the other glycogen phosphorylases-PYGB and PYGL. The involvement of muscle glycogen phosphorylase in glial cells and its association with post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins through O-glycosylation is indeed a fascinating and emerging area of research. The dual role it plays in metabolic processes and the regulation of PTMs within the brain presents intriguing implications for various neurological conditions. Disruptions in the O-GlcNAcylation cycle and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) is particularly noteworthy. The alterations in O-GlcNAcylation levels of specific proteins, such as APP, c-Fos, and tau protein, highlight the intricate relationship between PTMs and AD. Understanding these processes and the regulatory function of muscle glycogen phosphorylase sheds light on its impact on protein function, signaling pathways, cellular homeostasis, neurological health, and potential interventions for brain-related conditions.