Mitochondrial Membrane Potential
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential - Related Videos
08:43
Simultaneous Measurement of Mitochondrial Calcium and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Live Cells by Fluorescent Microscopy
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Cited by 29 •
2017
Mitochondria can utilize the electrochemical potential across their inner membrane (ΔΨm) to sequester calcium (Ca2+), allowing them to shape cytosolic Ca2+ signaling within the cell. We describe a method for simultaneously measuring mitochondria Ca2+ uptake and ΔΨm in live cells using fluorescent dyes and confocal microscopy.
09:56
Determination of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Reactive Oxygen Species in Live Rat Cortical Neurons
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Cited by 230 •
2011
We demonstrate application of the fluorescence indicator, TMRM, in cortical neurons to determine the relative changes in TMRM fluorescence intensity before and after application of a specific stimulus. We also show application of the fluorescence probe H2DCF-DA to assess the relative level of reactive oxygen species in cortical neurons.
01:21
The Resting Membrane Potential
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2019
Overview The relative difference in electrical charge, or voltage, between the inside and the outside of a cell membrane, is called the membrane potential. It is generated by differences in permeability of the membrane to various ions and the concentrations of these ions across the membrane. The Inside of a Neuron Is More Negative The membrane potential of a cell can be measured by inserting a microelectrode into a cell and comparing the charge to a reference electrode in the extracellular...
01:28
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
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2023
The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria. In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
01:45
Mitochondrial Membranes
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2023
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
FAQs
The electron transport chain uses energy released during nutrient oxidation to pump protons into the intermembrane space. This separation creates an electrochemical gradient across the inner membrane. Protons then flow back through ATP synthase, and that movement provides the energy needed for ATP production. A disrupted gradient can therefore indicate impaired mitochondrial energy conversion.
Stress can alter electron transport chain activity and the ability of mitochondria to maintain the proton gradient. As a result, the voltage across the inner membrane may shift, signaling disturbed mitochondrial function. In immune and infection studies, this change can help identify cellular stress associated with pathogen-induced damage, altered metabolism, or responses to experimental treatments.
A change in mitochondrial membrane potential can accompany mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, a regulated form of cell death. It is therefore useful as an indicator of cellular status rather than as an isolated measurement of energy production. Interpreting the result alongside the experimental context can help distinguish effects related to immune activation, infection, or treatment exposure.
Immune-cell activation can be examined through changes in mitochondrial membrane potential because activation may alter cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Measuring the potential provides a way to assess whether immune cells maintain or lose mitochondrial integrity under experimental conditions. This is especially relevant when comparing resting and activated cells or evaluating an immunomodulatory treatment.
Researchers measure mitochondrial membrane potential as an indicator of mitochondrial condition in cells exposed to immune stimuli, pathogens, antimicrobial treatments, or immunomodulatory compounds. The measurement is interpreted as part of the broader experimental design, with attention to whether potential changes coincide with mitochondrial stress, altered metabolism, apoptosis, or pathogen-induced damage.
These measurements can help determine how pathogens affect host-cell mitochondria, whether immune-cell activation is associated with metabolic changes, and whether antimicrobial or immunomodulatory treatments alter cellular stress. Comparing membrane-potential outcomes across experimental conditions gives researchers evidence about host-pathogen interactions and treatment responses, while also indicating changes in mitochondrial function and cellular energy status.