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Microfluidics-Assisted Selective Depolarization of Axonal Mitochondria
Published on: August 4, 2022
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Microfluidics-Assisted Selective Depolarization of Axonal Mitochondria
Simone Wanderoy1, Alina Rühmkorf1, Angelika B Harbauer2
1TUM Medical Graduate Center, Technical University of Munich; Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 22, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic method to model axonal mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons. It allows targeted drug treatment of axonal mitochondria, revealing insights into neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mitochondria generate ATP essential for neuronal function.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Axonal mitochondria face unique environmental challenges and dysfunction can precede cell body effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in vitro model for studying axonal mitochondrial dysfunction.
- To enable localized pharmacological challenges to axonal mitochondria.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microfluidic devices to culture dissociated hippocampal neurons.
- Employing a fluidic pressure gradient to isolate axonal compartments.
- Staining with a membrane-potential sensitive dye for mitochondrial assessment.
- Treating axonal mitochondria with a toxin and performing microscopic analysis.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful isolation of axonal mitochondria within microfluidic chambers.
- Showcased the ability to pharmacologically challenge axonal mitochondria independently.
- Established a protocol for analyzing axonal mitochondrial responses to toxins.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic devices provide a versatile platform for investigating axonal biology.
- This method allows for targeted study of axonal mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
- The protocol is adaptable for various pharmacological agents and neuronal subtypes.
