Observation of Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy in Pancreatic β-Cells

Mitophagy is a cellular process of autophagy-based mitochondrial degradation that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria and ensures cellular homeostasis. In pancreatic islet β-cells, mitochondria play a pivotal role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through ATP production from glucose oxidation. Recent studies have shown that impaired mitophagy and the subsequent mitochondrial compromise contribute to β-cell dysfunction and glucose intolerance. In this chapter, we describe a protocol to monitor Parkin-mediated mitophagy in pancreatic MIN6 β-cells using flow cytometry and a pH-sensitive fluorophore, mKeima.