Novel Roles of Actin Cytoskeleton on Mitochondrial Dynamics and Homeostasis

Mitochondria have traditionally been viewed as energy-generating organelles, through oxidation of metabolic substrates and creation of a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), that is utilized to generate ATP. However, it is increasingly clear that mitochondria communicate frequently with the rest of the cell and are therefore important signaling organelles. Mitochondria are extremely dynamic organelles; that fuse and divide continuously. Failures in mitochondrial dynamics cause severe disorders, and therefore the study of such mechanisms has significant importance.

 

A growing number of studies suggests that actin polymerization participates in mitochondrial communication and dynamics in mammalian cells. We find that there are at least two distinct modes by which actin and mitochondria interact.

To achieve the mechanistic information on actin’s role in mitochondrial homeostasis, we have used ANDOR Dragonfly ultra-fast imaging system. Dragonfly provides the perfect solution for imaging live or fixed mitochondria.

 

In this webinar, we will present our recent results about on the role of actin cytoskeletal on mitochondrial dynamics. Mitochondria imaging analysis tools will also be discussed.

 

Learning Objectives: