Mitochondria not only are crucial in ATP synthesis but also act as local modulators of intracellular calcium levels. The accumulation of excessive calcium ions has its consequences, leading to oxidative damage, compromised functioning of mitochondria, and finally, the activation of apoptosis through a process termed mitochondrial permeability transition. Thus, in the context of mitochondrial disease, the calcium ion concentration needs to be monitored with great precision. Protheragen offers complete and customized solutions for the measurement of calcium ions in mitochondria, which in turn leads to the increased efficiency and success rate of our client’s projects.
Pathophysiology of Mitochondrial Calcium Ion
Calcium ions of mitochondrial origin are critical in several functions of a eukaryotic cell including regulation of cell death, control over the cellular ATP production, and management of mitochondrial metabolism. The movement of calcium ions from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria is an active process that can serve to enhance enzyme activity and oxidative phosphorylation within these organelles. Moreover, calcium ions also contribute to adjusting the potential of the mitochondrial membrane, which is vital for maintaining optimal function and energy generation. Given the fact that mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis is tightly linked to the control of cellular proliferation and cell death, it is implicated in many pathophysiological processes defined as mitochondrial diseases.
Fig.1 The general model of calcium transport in cells. (Giorgi, C., et al., 2018)
Our Services
Protheragen offers services for the precise measurement and monitoring of calcium ions in the mitochondria which makes use of cutting-edge technology. These services are important because calcium ion dynamics in mitochondria play roles ranging from mediating energy metabolism to orchestrating cell death pathways.
Fluorescent Dye Method
The utilization of specific fluorescent dyes, such as Rhod-2 and Fluo-4, enables their binding to calcium ions and generation of a fluorescence signal in response to changes in calcium ion concentration. This technique is typically detected through fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry.
Optogenetic Calcium Sensors
The utilization of photosensitive proteins, such as the GCaMP family, enables real-time monitoring of calcium ion concentrations. These photo-biosensors are capable of conducting calcium ion imaging in cells or animal models.
Calcium Sensitive Electrode Method
Direct measurement of changes in cellular or subcellular calcium ion concentration is achieved using specialized electrodes that are selective for calcium ions. Although highly sensitive, this method necessitates the use of dedicated electrode equipment.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Method
By employing the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), calcium ion binding proteins are labeled with two fluorescent proteins or dyes. Upon calcium ion binding, the relative positions of the two fluorophores undergo changes, leading to alterations in FRET signals.
Our Advantages
The cumulation of mitochondrial calcium concentration has a significant role in calcium dynamics and their influence on different cellular processes as well as mitochondrial pathophysiology. This function can also be modified by the actions of certain genes and administered therapies. We can effectively monitor mitochondrial calcium accumulation. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our mitochondrial calcium ion detection service, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We look forward to collaborating with you on your upcoming projects.
Reference
- Giorgi, C.; et al. (2018). The machineries, regulation and cellular functions of mitochondrial calcium. Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology, 19(11), 713–730.
