Analysis of mitochondrial morphology and function under conditions of mitofusin 2 deficiency

Abstract

Recent discoveries linking mitochondrial dynamics to various pathologies have generated interest in the design of robust methods to screen proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics and small molecules that modulate mitochondrial dynamics. Here, we describe functional screening protocols to analyze mitochondrial parameters such as mitochondrial morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial calcium, and oxygen consumption rate in cultured cells. Novel proteins that participate in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and function can be identified using such an approach.