Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
15:09
The Use of Primary Human Fibroblasts for Monitoring Mitochondrial Phenotypes in the Field of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 3, 2012
17.3K
Protocol for investigating mitochondrial structure, function, and metabolism in human cervical cancer cells
Sachin Shetty1, Shama Prasada Kabekkodu1
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576106, India.
STAR Protocols
|November 21, 2025
Summary
This study outlines a protocol to investigate mitochondria in human cervical cancer cells, examining their structure, function, and metabolism using advanced imaging and mass spectrometry techniques.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Mitochondria are crucial for cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell death.
- Dysfunctional mitochondria are implicated in cancer development and progression.
- Understanding mitochondrial roles in cervical cancer is vital for therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive protocol for investigating mitochondrial biology in human cervical cancer cells.
- To enable detailed analysis of mitochondrial structure, function, and metabolism.
- To provide a framework for studying mitochondrial alterations in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy for visualizing mitochondrial morphology, mass, membrane potential, calcium, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid droplets.
- Mitochondrial isolation techniques.
- Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis of isolated mitochondria.
Main Results:
- The protocol allows for multi-parametric assessment of mitochondrial health and function.
- It facilitates the quantification of key metabolites within mitochondria.
- Enables detailed characterization of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic profiles in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- This protocol offers a robust method for studying mitochondrial biology in cervical cancer.
- It can reveal novel insights into mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer progression.
- The findings can inform the development of targeted cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
02:55The Nucleolus
The nucleolus is the most prominent substructure of the nucleus. When it was first discovered, it was considered to be an isolated organelle that forms fibrils and granules. In 1931, the relationship between the nucleolus and chromosomes was first described by Heitz. He observed that the appearance and size of nucleolus varies depending on the stage of the cell cycle. He also noticed constricted regions on different chromosomes clustered together at definite cell cycle stages. These regions,...
02:12What is Cancer?
Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...