The mitochondrial membrane voltage is maintained at -120--180 mV under resting conditions and fluctuates with changes in metabolic state. Currently, measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential can be performed using electrophysiological methods and fluorescence dye methods. Mitochondrial patch clamping requires the isolation of mitochondria and the destruction of cellular structures13. This approach may lead to measurements that deviate from physiological conditions. The fluorescence probe method is the common approach for MMP measurement. However, these fluorescent molecules cannot stain specific cells, are prone to quenching, and some dyes are toxic. Furthermore, these dyes are unsuitable for in vivo applications due to their inherent limitations, including lack of cell specificity and equilibrium over a long timescale (~30 min).
This protocol provides a new method of monitoring MMP, especially in vivo. The key to this method is to find a suitable GEVI that can be targeted to mitochondria by fusing its N-terminal to a mitochondrial targeting signal. Previous studies demonstrated that some of the GEVIs, such as Arclight and SomArchon, failed to localize to mitochondria12. However, accelerated sensor of action potentials (ASAP) protein families can be targeted to mitochondria by fusing them to a mitochondrial targeting signal12.
The initial phase of the protocol involves constructing a plasmid with a four-time repetitive sequence of COX8, which is not feasible through PCR due to its repetitive nature. Instead, DNA synthesis or enzyme-linked methods are employed to create the 4cox8 sequence. Other mitochondrial targeting sequences14, may also be suitable, which required colocalization analysis. The package of AAV is crucial for subsequent in vivo applications. The titration of AAV must be appropriate to ensure effective transfection without causing toxicity. To enhance the efficacy, modifications such as optimizing transfection conditions are necessary. This can be achieved by adjusting the quantities of DNA and transfection reagents used, thereby improving transfection efficiency. For calcium precipitation transfection, the pH of HEBS is crucial. It cannot be lower than 7.01 or higher than 7.12.
The MPI surpasses traditional MMP dyes in several ways. It allows for real-time monitoring of MMP changes, a capability that traditional dyes lack due to their requirement for equilibrium times. The genetic encoding of MPI also enables cell type-specific expression, bypassing the non-specificity of traditional dyes. Additionally, MPI maintains its mitochondrial targeting even upon depolarization, unlike traditional dyes, which lose their mitochondrial targeting under such conditions. Moreover, the stable mitochondrial targeting of MPI makes it an excellent candidate for in vivo imaging applications.
Despite its advantages, the MPI has certain limitations. Photobleaching, a common issue with fluorescent proteins, can be a concern with MPI. This can be partially mitigated by minimizing light exposure during imaging. Furthermore, there is a potential for spectral overlap between MPI and other fluorophores, which necessitates the careful selection of filters for multi-color imaging. Background fluorescence is a factor that demands attention. To tackle this, cells can be co-transfected with a mitochondria-targeted mCherry. This strategy helps distinguish true signals from false positives during the monitoring process. The current version of the MPIs, like other GEVIs used to detect neuronal plasma membrane voltage changes, can only monitor fluctuations in mitochondrial membrane potential, not absolute values. To calibrate the signals and convert them into actual membrane potential values in volts, a ratio metric method15, which involves fusion with another fluorescence protein, is promising. As the ASAP protein family continues to evolve16, we anticipate further improvements in sensitivity. This offers exciting possibilities for developing more sensitive MPIs in the future.
The MPI holds significant promise for research in various fields, including bioenergetics, mitochondrial dynamics, and disease modeling. In neuroscience, it can be used to monitor MMP in neurons, offering insights into neurodegenerative diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. In cardiology, the high voltage sensitivity of MPI makes it suitable for studying cardiac mitochondria in ischemia and heart failure models. Furthermore, in cancer research, MPI can be employed to investigate the bioenergetic shifts characteristic of cancer cells, contributing to a better understanding of this complex disease.