Abstract

Abundant evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca2+ dysregulation contribute to the muscle denervation and motor neuron death that occur in mouse models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). This perspective considers measurements of mitochondrial function and Ca2+ handling made in both motor neuron somata and motor nerve terminals of SOD1-G93A mice at different disease stages. These complementary studies are integrated into a model of how mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts handling of stimulation-induced Ca2+ loads in presymptomatic and end-stages of this disease. Also considered are possible mechanisms underlying the findings that some treatments that preserve motor neuron somata fail to postpone degeneration of motor axons and terminals.

Highlights

  • Abundant evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca2+ dysregulation contribute to the muscle denervation and motor neuron death that occur in mouse models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

  • Mitochondria are important for temporary buffering of large Ca2+ loads in both the soma and peripheral motor terminals of motor neurons

  • Indicators demonstrate that mitochondria normally buffer about 50% of large Ca2+ loads in hypoglossal motor neurons (Fuchs et al, 2013)

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Summary

Introduction

Abundant evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca2+ dysregulation contribute to the muscle denervation and motor neuron death that occur in mouse models of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). SYMPTOMATIC SOD1-G93A MOTOR NEURON SOMATA AND TERMINALS SHOW REDUCED MITOCHONDRIAL Ca2+ UPTAKE AND TRANSIENT mPTP OPENING DURING STIMULATION

Results
Conclusion

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