Genetic analysis of age-dependent defects of the Caenorhabditis elegans touch receptor neurons.

ABSTRACT: Although many genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases, the genetic and cellular mechanisms that maintain neuronal integrity during normal aging remain elusive. Here we show that Caenorhabditis elegans touch receptor and cholinergic neurons display age-dependent morphological defects, including cytoskeletal disorganization, axon beading, and defasciculation. Progression of neuronal aging is regulated by DAF-2 and DAF-16 signaling, which also modulate adult life span. Mutations that disrupt touch-evoked sensory activity or reduce membrane excitability trigger accelerated neuronal aging, indicating that electrical activity is critical for adult neuronal integrity. Disrupting touch neuron attachment to the epithelial cells induces distinct neurodegen

SUBMITTER: Pan CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3107274 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature