Synapses enable neurons to communicate with each other and are therefore a prerequisite for normal brain function. Presynaptically, this communication requires energy and generates large fluctuations in calcium concentrations. Mitochondria are optimized for supplying energy and buffering calcium, and they are actively recruited to presynapses. However, not all presynapses contain mitochondria; thus, how might synapses with and without mitochondria differ? Mitochondria are also increasingly recognized to serve additional functions at the presynapse. Here, we discuss the importance of presynaptic mitochondria in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and how dysfunctional presynaptic mitochondria might contribute to the development of disease.

突触使神经元彼此交流，因此是正常大脑功能的先决条件。首先，这种交流需要能量，并且会引起钙浓度的大幅波动。线粒体经过优化，可以提供能量和缓冲钙，并且可以积极地招募到突触前。但是，并非所有的突触都含有线粒体。因此，有或没有线粒体的突触有何不同？线粒体也被越来越多地认识到在突触前起着额外的作用。在这里，我们讨论突触前线粒体在维持神经元稳态中的重要性，以及功能异常的突触前线粒体可能如何促进疾病的发展。