title: Key role of mitochondria in Alzheimer's disease synaptic dysfunction.
abstract: Neuronal transmission and functional synapses require mitochondria, which are mainly involved in the generation of energy (ATP and NAD(+)), regulation of cell signaling and calcium homeostasis. Particularly intriguing is emerging data suggesting the relationship between mitochondria and neurotrophic factors that can act at the synaptic level promoting neuronal transmission and plasticity. On the other hand, disturbances in mitochondrial functions might contribute to impaired synaptic transmission and neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease and other chronic and acute neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review the molecular mediators controling mitochondrial function and their impact on synaptic dysfunction associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease.
authors: IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia; Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy. v.cavallucci@hsantalucia.it.
authors: Virve
authors: V
authors: Cavallucci
authors: Caterina
authors: C
authors: Ferraina
authors: Marcello
authors: M
authors: D'Amelio
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000473:pathology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000473:pathology*