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Imaging Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uptake in Astrocytes and Neurons using Genetically Encoded Ca2+ Indicators GECIs
Published on: January 22, 2022
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Imaging mitochondrial calcium dynamics in the central nervous system.
Roman Serrat1, Alexandre Oliveira-Pinto1, Giovanni Marsicano1
1Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, France; University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33077, France.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|March 23, 2022
Summary
This review details tools for measuring mitochondrial calcium in the brain, crucial for neuroscience research. It covers historical and novel methods, aiding understanding of brain function and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondrial calcium handling is vital for central nervous system functions like synaptic transmission and plasticity.
- Dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium contributes to neurological disorders.
- Accurate measurement of mitochondrial calcium dynamics is essential for understanding neuronal and glial cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of tools for monitoring mitochondrial calcium in the brain.
- To discuss the historical development and latest advancements in mitochondrial calcium sensing techniques.
- To review the roles of mitochondrial calcium in neuronal and astroglial cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of photonic microscopy-based techniques for mitochondrial calcium measurement.
- Analysis of synthetic, hybrid, and genetically encoded calcium sensors.
- Discussion of mitochondrial targeting strategies for calcium probes.
- Inclusion of in vitro and in vivo studies using mitochondrial calcium sensors.
Main Results:
- Detailed comparison of various calcium probes, including their properties and limitations.
- Elucidation of mitochondrial calcium's role in synaptic transmission, plasticity, and astrocyte signaling.
- Presentation of recent findings from studies utilizing advanced mitochondrial calcium sensors.
Conclusions:
- Effective tools for monitoring mitochondrial calcium are crucial for advancing neuroscience.
- Understanding mitochondrial calcium dynamics offers insights into brain function and disease mechanisms.
- Continued development of sensing technologies will further illuminate the role of mitochondria in neuronal health.

