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Synaptic pathology: A shared mechanism in neurological disease
Christopher M Henstridge1, Eleanor Pickett1, Tara L Spires-Jones2
1Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems, 1 George Square, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
Ageing Research Reviews
|April 25, 2016
Summary
Synaptic dysfunction and loss are central to neurological disorders, impacting neuronal communication and leading to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This review examines synaptic integrity in disease models and aging, summarizing current and future treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neurology
Background:
- Synaptic proteomes are crucial for neuronal communication.
- Alterations in synaptic function are linked to numerous neurological disorders.
- Synapse loss severely disrupts cellular communication and network function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on synaptic integrity in neurodegenerative disease models and human studies.
- To discuss synaptic changes during normal brain aging.
- To summarize existing and potential treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on synaptic integrity.
- Analysis of animal models of neurodegenerative disease.
- Examination of human post-mortem studies.
- Discussion of synaptic changes in normal brain aging.
Main Results:
- Synaptic pathology is a common feature across diverse neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
- Synapse loss contributes to network disruption in the central nervous system and muscle wastage in the periphery.
- Technological advancements have enhanced the study of synaptic anatomy and physiology in disease.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic integrity is critical for preventing neurodegeneration.
- Understanding synaptic changes in aging and disease is key to developing effective therapies.
- Targeting synaptic pathology offers promising therapeutic avenues for neurological disorders.
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