Mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange assays

Cold Spring Harb Protoc. 2014 Feb 1;2014(2):202-6. doi: 10.1101/pdb.prot073171.

Abstract

Here, we describe two complementary assays designed to analyze mitochondrial Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange activity. In both procedures, the counter ion transport of sodium and calcium ions across the inner membrane of mitochondria is assayed in permeabilized cells preloaded with a mitochondria-selective Na(+) probe, CoroNa-Red, or with a mitochondria-targeted calcium sensor, ratiometric-pericam, respectively. These methods, therefore, do not require a mitochondrial preisolation step, with the native cellular mitochondrial architecture being maintained. Importantly, these methods equilibrate the cytosol with the extracellular milieu to allow control over the extra-mitochondrial ionic environment, while eliminating any possible interference by plasma membrane transporters.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay / methods*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism
  • Sodium / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Sodium
  • Calcium