Neurons and Glia Exhibit Distinct Age-Associated MitoTimer-Based Mitochondrial Dynamics in the Drosophila Mushroom Body Calyx

Aging increases the prevalence of diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This study assesses MitoTimer-based mitochondrial dynamics across the lifespan between neurons and glia. MitoTimer was expressed in neurons using nSyb-Gal4 and in glia using Repo-Gal4. MitoTimer red:green fluorescence ratios were quantified within or surrounding the mushroom body calyx of young, middle-aged, and old female Drosophila melanogaster . Paraquat-supplemented food increased red:green ratios relative to controls, supporting our use of MitoTimer. Neuronal red:green ratios peaked in middle age, whereas glial ratios were highest in young flies. These findings reveal distinct, age-dependent mitochondrial dynamics in neurons and glia.