While Drp1 contributes to mitochondrial fission, OPA1 has been widely recognized as to promote mitochondrial fusion in cooperative manner with Mfn1/2. Several papers have shown the representative F-IHC of those molecules, but I wonder the analysis of expression level of those molecules by Western blotting experiments can be useful to know the mitochondrial dynamics in the cells. I am grateful if you would let me know the informative paper or precious opinions.
Thank you in Advance!
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In my opinion analysis of protein levels of factors involved in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics does not allow making conclusions on the fusion/fission rates of mitochondria within the cell. Only in extreme cases, when a crucial regulator is almost absent, for example, would this be an option. Still, live-cell imaging is the best choice for studying the dynamic behaviour of mitochondria. Proteins involved in controlling membrane fission and fusion are also regulated post-translationally (a plethora of modifications has been described for Drp-1, for example). The bioenergetic needs of the cell dictate mitochondrial dynamism so the measurement of fusion and fission rates is more challenging than performing Western-Blots using antibodies againt Drp-1, Opa1, etc. Please have a look at the papers in the attachment if you like to know more about this fascinating topic.
Regards, Christian
Article High resolution imaging of live mitochondria
Article Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Functions Using Imagi...
Article Super-resolution fluorescence imaging of organelles in live ...
In my opinion analysis of protein levels of factors involved in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics does not allow making conclusions on the fusion/fission rates of mitochondria within the cell. Only in extreme cases, when a crucial regulator is almost absent, for example, would this be an option. Still, live-cell imaging is the best choice for studying the dynamic behaviour of mitochondria. Proteins involved in controlling membrane fission and fusion are also regulated post-translationally (a plethora of modifications has been described for Drp-1, for example). The bioenergetic needs of the cell dictate mitochondrial dynamism so the measurement of fusion and fission rates is more challenging than performing Western-Blots using antibodies againt Drp-1, Opa1, etc. Please have a look at the papers in the attachment if you like to know more about this fascinating topic.
Regards, Christian
Article High resolution imaging of live mitochondria
Article Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Functions Using Imagi...
Article Super-resolution fluorescence imaging of organelles in live ...
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