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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Multimodal Optical Imaging Platform for Studying Cellular Metabolism
Published on: June 6, 2025
Perspective: Mitochondria-ER Contacts in Metabolic Cellular Stress Assessed by Microscopy
Alessandra Stacchiotti1,2,3, Gaia Favero4, Antonio Lavazza5
1Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy. alessandra.stacchiotti@unibs.it.
Abstract:
The interplay of mitochondria with the endoplasmic reticulum and their connections, called mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) or mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), are crucial hubs in cellular stress. These sites are essential for the passage of calcium ions, reactive oxygen species delivery, the sorting of lipids in whole-body metabolism. In this perspective article, we focus on microscopic evidences of the pivotal role of MERCs/MAMs and their changes in metabolic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
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