The function of mitochondria in presynaptic development at the neuromuscular junction.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondria with high membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) are enriched in the presynaptic nerve terminal at vertebrate neuromuscular junctions, but the exact function of these localized synaptic mitochondria remains unclear. Here, we investigated the correlation between mitochondrial DeltaPsi(m) and the development of synaptic specializations. Using mitochondrial DeltaPsi(m)-sensitive probe JC-1, we found that DeltaPsi(m) in Xenopus spinal neurons could be reversibly elevated by creatine and suppressed by FCCP. Along naïve neurites, preexisting synaptic vesicle (SV) clusters were positively correlated with mitochondrial DeltaPsi(m), suggesting a potential regulatory role of mitochondrial activity in synaptogenesis. Indicating a specific role of mitochondrial activity in presynaptic developme

SUBMITTER: Lee CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2174173 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature