C. elegans model of neuronal aging.
Journal
Communicative & integrative biology
Journal Volume
4
Journal Issue
6
Start Page
696
End Page
698
ISSN
1942-0889
Date Issued
2011-11-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Aging of the nervous system underlies the behavioral and cognitive decline associated with senescence. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of neuronal aging will therefore contribute to the development of effective treatments for aging and age-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this pressing need, there are surprisingly few animal models that aim at recapitulating neuronal aging in a physiological context. We recently developed a C. elegans model of neuronal aging, and showed that age-dependent neuronal defects are regulated by insulin signaling. We identified electrical activity and epithelial attachment as two critical factors in the maintenance of structural integrity of C. elegans touch receptor neurons. These findings open a new avenue for elucidating the molecular mechanisms that maintain neuronal structures during the course of aging.
Subjects
C. elegans
aging
touch neuron
electrical activity
nerve attachment
axon degeneration
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Type
journal article