Live-imaging of Mitochondrial System in Cultured Astrocytes

J Vis Exp. 2021 Nov 16:(177). doi: 10.3791/62957.

Abstract

While much attention has been given to mitochondrial alterations at the neuronal level, recent evidence demonstrates that mitochondrial dynamics and function in astrocytes are implicated in cognition. This article describes the method for time-lapse imaging of astrocyte cultures equipped with a mitochondrial biosensor: MitoTimer. MitoTimer is a powerful and unique tool to assess mitochondrial dynamics, mobility, morphology, biogenesis, and redox state. Here, the different procedures for culture, image acquisitions, and subsequent mitochondrial analysis are presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes* / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Mitochondria*
  • Mitochondrial Dynamics
  • Neurons / physiology