Functional regeneration of the murine neuromuscular synapse relies on long-lasting morphological adaptations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In a broad variety of species, muscle contraction is controlled at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the peripheral synapse composed of a motor nerve terminal, a muscle specialization, and non-myelinating terminal Schwann cells. While peripheral nerve damage leads to successful NMJ reinnervation in animal models, muscle fiber reinnervation in human patients is largely inefficient. Interestingly, some hallmarks of NMJ denervation and early reinnervation in murine species, such as fragmentation and poly-innervation, are also phenotypes of aged NMJs or even of unaltered conditions in other species, including humans. We have reasoned that rather than features of NMJ decline, such cellular responses could represent synaptic adaptations to accomplish proper functional recovery

SUBMITTER: Bermedo-Garcia F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9270767 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature