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Developmental regulation of microtubule‐based trafficking and anchoring of axonal mitochondria in health and diseases
Author(s) -
Cheng XiuTang,
Sheng ZuHang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
developmental neurobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.716
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1932-846X
pISSN - 1932-8451
DOI - 10.1002/dneu.22748
Subject(s) - biology , microtubule , mitochondrion , neuroscience , axoplasmic transport , anchoring , microbiology and biotechnology , cognitive science , psychology
Mitochondria are cellular power plants that supply most of the ATP required in the brain to power neuronal growth, function, and regeneration. Given their extremely polarized structures and extended long axons, neurons face an exceptional challenge to maintain energy homeostasis in distal axons, synapses, and growth cones. Anchored mitochondria serve as local energy sources; therefore, the regulation of mitochondrial trafficking and anchoring ensures that these metabolically active areas are adequately supplied with ATP. Chronic mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark feature of major aging‐related neurodegenerative diseases, and thus, anchored mitochondria in aging neurons need to be removed when they become dysfunctional. Investigations into the regulation of microtubule (MT)‐based trafficking and anchoring of axonal mitochondria under physiological and pathological circumstances represent an important emerging area. In this short review article, we provide an updated overview of recent in vitro and in vivo studies showing (1) how mitochondria are transported and positioned in axons and synapses during neuronal developmental and maturation stages, and (2) how altered mitochondrial motility and axonal energy deficits in aging nervous systems link to neurodegeneration and regeneration in a disease or injury setting. We also highlight a major role of syntaphilin as a key MT‐based regulator of axonal mitochondrial trafficking and anchoring in mature neurons.