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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Detection of Mitochondria Membrane Potential to Study CLIC4 Knockdown-induced HN4 Cell Apoptosis In Vitro
Published on: July 17, 2018
Methods for the assessment of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization in apoptosis
Lorenzo Galluzzi1, Naoufal Zamzami, Thibault de La Motte Rouge
1INSERM U848, Institut Gustave Roussy PR 1, 30 rue Camille Desmoulins, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) is considered as the "point-of-no-return" in numerous models of programmed cell death. Indeed, mitochondria determine the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, and play a major role in the extrinsic route as well. MMP affects the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes (IM and OM, respectively) to a variable degree. OM permeabilization culminates in the release of proteins that normally are confined in the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS), including caspase activators (e.g. cytochrome c) and caspase-independent death effectors (e.g. apoptosis-inducing factor). Partial IM permeabilization disrupts mitochondrial ion and volume homeostasis and dissipates the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)). The assessment of early mitochondrial alterations allows for the identification of cells that are committed to die but have not displayed yet the apoptotic phenotype. Several techniques to measure MMP by cytofluorometry and fluorescence microscopy have been developed. Here, we summarize the currently available methods for the detection of MMP, and provide a comparative analysis of these techniques.
Insights
Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) marks a critical cell death checkpoint. This review compares methods for detecting early MMP, aiding in identifying cells committed to apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) is a crucial event in programmed cell death, influencing both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways.
- MMP involves alterations to the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes, leading to the release of intermembrane space proteins and disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize and comparatively analyze current techniques for detecting MMP.
- To highlight the importance of assessing early mitochondrial alterations for identifying cells committed to die.
Main Methods:
- Cytofluorometry-based assays for MMP detection.
- Fluorescence microscopy techniques for visualizing MMP.
Main Results:
- Various methods exist for measuring MMP, offering different insights into mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Early detection of MMP can identify cells before the full apoptotic phenotype is evident.
Conclusions:
- Accurate assessment of MMP is vital for understanding cell death mechanisms.
- Comparative analysis of MMP detection methods aids researchers in selecting appropriate techniques.
