Metabolism
Astrocytic GLUT1 & Glucose Uptake
We study how GLUT1 deficiency specifically in astrocytes contributes to Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration independently of cerebrovascular alterations.
Astrocytic Metabolic Reprogramming
Redefining
Redefining
Alzheimer's
through glial biology
Exploring how astrocytic metabolic signalling shapes the neuronal environment in the early stages of neurodegeneration.
Our Approach
Three questions.
Three questions.
One scientific answer.
Alzheimer's Disease
A leading neurodegenerative disorder emerging within a paradoxical metabolic landscape where energy demand rises but supply falters.
Astrocyte Biology
Strategically positioned between blood vessels and neurons, astrocytes are energy sensors that can become maladaptive, fueling neuroinflammation.
Brain Metabolism
A multicellular enterprise — energetically and redox integrated across cell types — far surpassing the traditional neuron-centric lens.
Research Focus
What we investigate
Astrocytes
Metabolic Reprogramming in Early AD
We explore how astrocytes undergo metabolic reprogramming in early stages, potentially accumulating excess glycogen, precipitating the disease cascade.
Therapy
VEGF-Based Therapeutic Strategies
Investigating whether VEGF administration can rescue cognitive deficits in AD mouse models lacking astrocytic GLUT1, opening new treatment avenues.
Diagnostics
Biomarkers & Early Diagnosis
Identifying metabolic markers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood that signal early astrocyte dysfunction before symptom onset.
Drug Discovery
Multitarget Drug Design
Designing and synthesising multitarget compounds — including H3R antagonists and AChE inhibitors — inspired by known AD frameworks.
Metabolism
Insulin Resistance & Neurodegeneration
Examining how insulin signalling failure in the brain contributes to energy dysfunction and accelerates AD progression.
Principal Investigator
Maite Solas Zubiaurre
Associate Professor · University of Navarra
50+ Publications
4K+ Citations
h30 H-index
Full Profile →
Lab History
Key Milestones
Research Portfolio
Active & Recent Projects
Completed
Subprograma Estatal de Generacion del Conocimiento (Micinn)
Deciphering the Role of Astrocytic GLUT1 in Alzheimer’s Disease
Cerebral blood vessels are composed of endothelial cells that interact closely with astrocytes, regulating the transport of nutrients such as…
€196.262
Completed
Brain and Behaviour research foundation (NARSAD young investigator research grant)
Impact of astrocytic insulin receptor on cognitive deficiencies associatedto neuropsychiatric disorders
This project investigates how insulin resistance in the brain may link age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s…
€63.000
Completed
Subprograma Estatal de Generación del Conocimiento (Micinn)
Study of astrocytic IR-GLUT1 communication in Alzheimer’s Disease (AIRGlut)
The availability of glucose in the central nervous system is essential for neuronal function, and brain glucose levels have been…
€190.000
Active
Subprograma Estatal de Generación del Conocimiento (AEI)
Impaired insulin signaling in astrocytes asan early event in Alzheimer’s disease (AstroDiabetes)
The crucial role of brain insulin action in the regulation of systemic metabolism, energy balance, and glucose homeostasis, as well…
€312.500
Active
Fundación Pasqual Maragall
Selective Targeting of Astrocytes: Metabolic Reprogramming inAlzheimer’s Disease (STAR-AD)
Astrocytes are brain cells that help, support and protect neurons, ensuring the brain functions properly by providing energy and defending…
€800.000
Active
European Research Council (ERC Consolidator)
Astrocytic Metabolic Reprogramming as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’sDisease (HyperAstroMet)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a growing public health challenge, with its prevalence steadily increasing profoundly affecting both patients and their…
€2.000.000
Latest Science
Recent Publications
Astrocytes as Metabolic Sensors Orchestrating Energy‐Driven Brain Vulnerability in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading neurodegenerative disorder linked to aging, emerges within a paradoxical metabolic landscape. Despite rising cellular energy demands due…
View paper →Embracing the modern biochemistry of brain metabolism
This editorial challenges the long‐held neuron‐centered view of brain metabolism, relying on ample evidence that it is a cooperative, multicellular process. Astrocytes,…
View paper →Novel Pitolisant-Derived Sulfonyl Compounds for Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, behavioral changes, and other neurological symptoms.…
View paper →Implication of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in disease: potential biomarker or new therapeutic target
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a molecule generated from choline, betaine, and carnitine via gut microbial metabolism. The plasma level of TMAO is…
View paper →
News & Outreach
From the Lab
The researcher Maite Solas receives a grant from the Pasqual Maragall Foundation to advance understanding of Alzheimer’s disease
Maite Solas, a researcher at the University of Navarra Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, has received the Pasqual Maragall Researchers Programme grant…
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Maite Solas, a researcher at the University of Navarra, explains that her team is trying to approach Alzheimer’s Disease from a different perspective, understanding it as a disorder linked to metabolism
Maite Solas focuses her research on detecting early changes in Alzheimer's Disease and finding ways to slow its progression. Her work studies…
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Maite Solas, a researcher at the University of Navarra, has received the Pasqual Maragall grant for her studies focused on the prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Maite Solas, a researcher and professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Navarra, has received a grant from…
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Get in touch
Contact us →
Join our research
We are always looking for motivated students, postdocs, and collaborators passionate about neuroscience and brain metabolism. Reach out — good conversations start with a good hypothesis.