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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
07:56
Visualizing Mitophagy with Fluorescent Dyes for Mitochondria and Lysosome
Published on: November 30, 2022
5.0K
Mitochondrial structural variations in the process of mitophagy.
Dan Zhang1, Ying He1, Jinying Wang1
1Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics & College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Journal of Biophotonics
|January 24, 2022
Summary
This study visualizes mitochondrial changes during mitophagy using advanced microscopy. It reveals structural and pH shifts, aiding in diagnosing mitochondrial diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Mitochondria are vital for cellular energy and signaling.
- Damage to mitochondria causes stress, affecting morphology and pH.
- Mitophagy removes damaged mitochondria, restoring cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To dynamically visualize mitochondrial morphology and pH during mitophagy.
- To understand mitochondrial dysfunction in live cells.
- To explore new diagnostic and treatment strategies for mitochondrial diseases.
Main Methods:
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy
- STED super-resolution nanoscopy
- Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
- Mitochondrial probe for live-cell imaging
Main Results:
- Dynamic changes in mitochondrial morphology and microenvironmental pH during mitophagy were imaged.
- STED nanoscopy distinguished mitochondrial cristae structural changes beyond optical diffraction limits.
- CCCP treatment effects on mitochondrial structure were observed.
Conclusions:
- Advanced microscopy techniques provide new insights into mitophagy.
- Visualizing mitochondrial dynamics and pH is crucial for understanding mitochondrial function.
- This approach offers potential for diagnosing and treating mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.
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