Imaging Mitochondrial Functions: from Fluorescent Dyes to Genetically-Encoded Sensors

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mitochondria are essential organelles involved in energy production, calcium signaling, cell death, and redox balance.
• Their dynamics and biogenesis adapt to cellular energy demands in both health and disease.
• Understanding simultaneous mitochondrial changes is key for developing therapies for cancer, neurological, and metabolic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review fluorescence microscopy tools for tracking mitochondrial calcium signaling, dynamics, and mitophagy.
• To highlight the impact of genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors on understanding mitochondrial functions.
• To discuss future perspectives for novel biosensors to monitor multiple mitochondrial functions concurrently.

Main Methods:

• Review of fluorescence microscopy techniques.
• Focus on genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors.
• Live imaging of cellular processes.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence microscopy and live imaging are powerful tools for real-time monitoring of mitochondrial functions.
• Genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors have significantly advanced the study of mitochondrial biochemistry in living cells with high spatiotemporal resolution.
• These tools allow for the investigation of calcium signaling, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in genetically-encoded fluorescent biosensors are crucial for a deeper understanding of mitochondrial roles.
• Simultaneous tracking of multiple mitochondrial functions is achievable and essential for therapeutic development.
• Future development of novel biosensors holds promise for comprehensive mitochondrial research and disease treatment.