The alterations in mitochondrial function in mitochondrial disease result in significant modifications to its structure, and conversely, changes in its structure also impact mitochondrial function. Given the crucial role of mitochondrial morphology in maintaining homeostasis, responding to stress, and contributing to the development of mitochondrial disease, Protheragen employs various techniques to analyze and quantify changes in the morphology of mitochondria.
Introduction to Mitochondrial Morphology
The gross morphology of mitochondria is organized into a complex network that can dynamically interconvert through frequent fission and fusion events, which appear to be tightly regulated for controlling overall morphology. The characterization of mitochondrial integrity and morphology is crucial for comprehending disease mechanisms and evaluating toxicity. Alterations in mitochondrial abundance, intensity, size, length, and morphology throughout the mitochondrial cycle may indicate variations in cellular health and metabolism or precede the onset of apoptosis.
Fig.1 The balance between fusion and fission controls mitochondrial morphology. (Chan D. C., 2022)
Our Services
Protheragen is dedicated to supporting scientists in investigating mitochondrial morphology in various cells and tissues under diverse conditions, thereby providing valuable insights into cellular processes and the progression of mitochondrial diseases.
Mitochondrial Features
Assessment
Analyze the morphology of mitochondria within cells, including features such as size, shape, density, and distribution. This helps identify any abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology.
Mitochondrial Number and Density Analysis
Measure the number and density of mitochondria within cells using quantitative methods such as image processing software or computer-assisted analysis and compare them with normal reference values.
Assessment of Mitochondrial Structural Changes
Qualitatively and quantitatively assess the structure of mitochondrial components such as inner and outer membranes, matrix, and cristae to detect abnormal structural changes such as swelling, fragmentation, or deformation.
Our Technology Platform
The utilization of a diverse range of advanced techniques empowers our technology to facilitate comprehensive exploration and analysis of mitochondrial morphology and distribution within cells.
- Electron Microscopy (EM)
Observing the ultrastructure of mitochondria within cells using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to provide high-resolution mitochondrial morphological information.
- Fluorescence Microscopy
Observing and analyzing the morphological features of mitochondria, such as shape, size, and distribution, using fluorescence staining techniques or fluorescently labeled proteins via fluorescence microscopy.
- Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)
Combining fluorescence microscopy with laser focusing technology to achieve high-resolution three-dimensional imaging for observing mitochondrial morphology and distribution.
- Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Using fluorescently labeled DNA probes to bind to mitochondrial DNA within cells and observing mitochondrial morphology and quantity via fluorescence microscopy.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Utilizing optical coherence technology to observe the internal structure of biological tissues, which can be used for non-invasive observation of mitochondrial morphology within live cells.
- Flow Cytometry
Analyzing fluorescently labeled mitochondria within cells using flow cytometers to provide quantitative data on mitochondrial morphology and quantity.
Our Advantages
Professional Team
Advanced Technology
Comprehensive Services
Reliable Data and Results
Protheragen offers comprehensive Mitochondrial Morphology Analysis Services to clients, providing a range of solutions for research related to mitochondria. Should you have any inquiries regarding our mitochondrial morphology analysis service or wish to initiate discussions on potential collaborations, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
- Chan D. C. (2020). Mitochondrial Dynamics and Its Involvement in Disease. Annual review of pathology, 15, 235–259.
