Communication breakdown: the impact of ageing on synapse structure.
Impaired synaptic plasticity is implicated in the functional decline of the nervous system associated with ageing. Understanding the structure of ageing synapses is essential to understanding the functions of these synapses and their role in the ageing nervous system. In this review, we summarize studies on ageing synapses in vertebrates and invertebrates, focusing on changes in morphology and ultrastructure. We cover different parts of the nervous system, including the brain, the retina, the cochlea, and the neuromuscular junction. The morphological characteristics of aged synapses could shed light on the underlying molecular changes and their functional consequences.
Advanced Imaging Core, NIDCD/NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States. Electronic address: petralia@nidcd.nih.gov.
Ronald S
RS
Petralia
Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
Mark P
MP
Mattson
Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States. Electronic address: yaopa@grc.nia.nih.gov.
Pamela J
PJ
Yao
D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D003051:Cochlea / Q000473:pathology; D005508:Food Deprivation; D006801:Humans; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000473:pathology; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D013569:Synapses / Q000473:pathology*
Ageing; Dendritic spine; Neurotransmitter vesicles; Postsynaptic density; Presynaptic bouton; Synapse