High-throughput multiparameter analysis of individual mitochondria

Anal Chem. 2012 Aug 7;84(15):6421-8. doi: 10.1021/ac301464x. Epub 2012 Jul 19.

Abstract

Mitochondria are one of the most important organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism and apoptosis regulation. However, single-mitochondrion analysis is challenging, because of their small sizes and the low content of organelle constituents. Here, we report the development of a sensitive and versatile platform for high-throughput multiparameter analysis of individual mitochondria. Employing specific fluorescent staining with a laboratory-built high-sensitivity flow cytometer (HSFCM), we demonstrate the simultaneous detection of side scatter, cardiolipin, and mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) of a single mitochondrion. Simultaneous measurements of side scatter, porin, and cytochrome c of individual mitochondria are reported for the first time. Correlation analysis among multiple attributes on an organelle-by-organelle basis could provide a more definitive assessment of the purity, structure integrity, and apoptosis-related proteins of isolated mitochondria than bulk measurement. This work represents a significant advancement in single-mitochondrion analysis. We believe that the HSFCM holds great potential for studying apoptotic signal transduction pathways at the single-mitochondrion level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cardiolipins / analysis
  • Cytochromes c / analysis
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / analysis
  • Flow Cytometry*
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / chemistry
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Cardiolipins
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Cytochromes c
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate