Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in multiple physiological functions (i.e., functional aging). As animals age, they exhibit a gradual loss in motor activity, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we approach this question in C. elegans by functionally characterizing its aging nervous system and muscles. We find that motor neurons exhibit a progressive functional decline, beginning in early life. Surprisingly, body-wall muscles, which were previously thought to undergo functional aging, do not manifest such a decline until mid-late life. Notably, motor neurons first develop a deficit in synaptic vesicle fusion followed by that in quantal size and vesicle docking/priming, revealing specific functional deteriorations in synaptic transmission. Pharmacological stimulation of synaptic transmission can improve motor activity in aged animals. These results uncover a critical role for the nervous system in age-dependent motor activity decline in C. elegans and provide insights into how functional aging occurs in this organism.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3811915 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2013.08.007 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Viral infections of the central nervous system increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis: a two-sample mendelian randomization study.
Aging Clin Exp Res
January 2025
Department of Joint Surgery, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China.
Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a condition under the influence of central nervous system (CNS) regulatory mechanisms. This investigation aims to examine the causal association between viral infections of the central nervous system (VICNS) and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (IDCNS) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at the genetic level.
Methods: In this investigation, VICNS and IDCNS were considered as primary exposure variables, while KOA served as the primary outcome.
Loneliness, social isolation, and living alone: a comprehensive systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of mortality risks in older adults.
Aging Clin Exp Res
January 2025
Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families, and Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Loneliness, social isolation, and living alone are significant risk factors for mortality, particularly in older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify their associations with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in older adults, broadening previous research by including more social factors. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL until December 31, 2023, following PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAging and tumors: a dynamic interaction.
Discov Oncol
January 2025
Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
Aging is an inevitable physiological process in organisms, and the development of tumors is closely associated with cellular senescence. This article initially examines the role of cellular senescence in tumorigenesis, emphasizing the correlation between telomere length-a marker of cellular senescence-and tumor risk. Concurrently, the study explores the expression levels of senescence-associated markers, such as p16, p53, and mTOR, in the context of tumor development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLateral hypothalamic area high-frequency deep brain stimulation rescues memory decline in aged rat: behavioral, molecular, and electrophysiological study.
Pflugers Arch
January 2025
Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
To examine the effect of DBS of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) on age-related memory changes, neuronal firing from CA1, oxidative stress, and the expression of Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin. 72 male rats were randomly allocated into 6 equal groups: a) normal young group (8 W), b) sham young group, c) DBS young group, d) normal old group (24 months), e) sham old group and f) DBS old group. Memory tests (passive avoidance and Y maze), oxidative stress markers (MDA, catalase, and GSH) and expression of Nrf2, HO-1, Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin were measured by the end of the experiment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrobiome transplants may not improve health and longevity in Drosophila melanogaster.
Biol Open
January 2025
Department of Biological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
The gut microbiome, which is composed of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and is involved in multiple essential physiological processes, changes measurably as a person ages, and can be associated with negative health outcomes. Microbiome transplants have been proposed as a method to improve gut function and reduce or reverse multiple disorders, including age-related diseases. Here, we take advantage of the laboratory model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to test the effects of transplanting the microbiome of a young fly into middle-aged flies, across multiple genetic backgrounds and both sexes, to test whether age-related lifespan could be increased, and late-life physical health declines mitigated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!