The changes in mitochondrial function in mitochondrial disease lead to changes in its structure, and vice versa – a change in its structure will also affect the function. Considering the important impact of mitochondrial morphology on homeostasis, responding to stress, and the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases, Protheragen uses different approaches to measure and analyze the alterations in mitochondrial morphology.
Introduction to Mitochondrial Morphology
The overarching morphology of mitochondria is arranged into an intricate network that intricately changes through frequent fission and fusion events, which appear to be under very tight control for regulating overall morphology. For understanding the mechanism of disease and assessing toxicity, the assessment of mitochondrial integrity and morphology is crucial. Changes in the abundance, intensity, size, length, and morphology of a mitochondrion throughout the mitochondria cycle may reflect variations in the health and metabolic activity of a given cell, or act as precursors to apoptosis.
Fig.1 The balance between fusion and fission controls mitochondrial morphology. (Chan D. C., 2022)
Our Services
Protheragen is committed to assisting scientists in studying the morphology of mitochondria across different cells and tissues under various conditions, thus offering an understanding of cellular biology and the etiology of mitochondrial disorders.
Mitochondrial Features
Assessment
Examine the morphology of mitochondria in cells about size, shape, density, and the distribution of organelles within the cytoplasm. This serves to pinpoint and classify abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology.
Mitochondrial Number and
Density Analysis
Evaluate the amount and density of mitochondria in cells using quantitative methods and image processing software or other forms of computer-assisted analysis, and assess against normal reference values.
Assessment of Mitochondrial
Structural Changes
Qualitatively and quantitatively assess the structure of mitochondrial components, which includes the inner and outer membranes, matrix, and cristae for abnormal structural changes including swelling, fragmentation, and 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 provides a set of mitochondrial morphology analysis services to solve clients’ needs in the areas of mitochondria-related research. 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.
