Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Research Service
Creative Biolabs offers specialized mitochondrial membrane potential research services to investigate the effects of various ingredients on mitochondrial function and their role in skin rejuvenation, contributing to the development of targeted cosmetic formulations.
Introduction
Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is a critical parameter for assessing mitochondrial function, as it reflects the ability of mitochondria to generate energy through oxidative phosphorylation. The potential difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane is essential for ATP production, calcium homeostasis, and maintaining cellular metabolic processes. In skin cells, mitochondrial dysfunction and a decrease in membrane potential are closely associated with aging and environmental stressors, such as UV exposure. Reduced ΔΨm leads to impaired energy production, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activation of apoptotic pathways, contributing to skin aging. Over time, this dysfunction accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity. Mitochondrial membrane potential is therefore a key indicator of skin health, and understanding how it changes with age or due to external damage can provide valuable insights for developing effective anti-aging strategies.
Fig. 1 Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined the JC-1 miochondrial membrane potential assay kit.1
Services
Our mitochondrial membrane potential research services focus on evaluating how mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) influences cellular health, aging, and the effects of cosmetic ingredients. We employ advanced techniques, including fluorescence-based assays such as JC-1, TMRM, and DiOC6, to quantify mitochondrial membrane potential changes in response to various treatments. These assays allow for real-time monitoring of membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization in living cells. Additionally, we use flow cytometry and confocal microscopy to provide high-resolution data on ΔΨm in different cell types, including skin cells, under different conditions such as UV exposure or oxidative stress. Our research also includes a comprehensive analysis of the mitochondrial dynamics, including mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, as they are tightly linked to membrane potential and overall cellular function. By studying the impact of various compounds on ΔΨm, we aim to provide valuable insights into their potential for improving mitochondrial health and delaying the aging process, offering new avenues for anti-aging treatments and skin rejuvenation.
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Measurements
We offer a wide range of advanced measurements to evaluate mitochondrial membrane potential and its role in cellular health. Our evaluations include, but are not limited to:
- General Observations: Cell viability, ATP production levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and ROS generation.
- Mitochondrial Bioenergetics: Measurement of oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and extracellular acidification rates (ECAR) to assess mitochondrial function using Seahorse XF technology.
- Mitochondrial Membrane Potential: Real-time monitoring of ΔΨm using fluorescent probes such as JC-1, TMRM, and DiOC6, with flow cytometry or confocal microscopy for high-resolution data.
- Immunohistochemistry: Detection of mitochondrial markers (e.g., COX IV, TOM20) to evaluate mitochondrial distribution and integrity in tissue samples.
- Cytokine Profiling (e.g., ELISA): Analysis of pro-inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β to assess the inflammatory response triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Mitochondrial Dynamics Analysis: Examination of mitochondrial fission and fusion processes using specific markers (e.g., Drp1, Mfn2) and imaging techniques like live-cell imaging.
- Gene/Protein Expression Profiling: RT-qPCR and Western blotting to quantify the expression of genes and proteins involved in mitochondrial health, such as PGC-1α, Drp1, and mitophagy-related proteins.
In addition to our established models of mitochondrial dysfunction, we also offer the development of novel animal models tailored to meet specific research needs. Our scientific team is available to assist with experimental design, model selection, and data analysis, ensuring that your project is executed effectively at every stage.
Advantages
1. Expertise in Mitochondrial Research: Our team consists of specialists in mitochondrial biology with extensive experience in assessing mitochondrial function, including membrane potential, bioenergetics, and dynamics.
2. Advanced Technology: We utilize cutting-edge technologies, such as Seahorse XF analyzers, high-resolution microscopy, and fluorescence-based assays, to provide accurate, real-time data on mitochondrial membrane potential and function.
3. Customized Solutions: Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of your research, whether for skin aging studies, oxidative stress evaluation, or anti-aging formulation development.
4. Comprehensive Insights: Beyond just data collection, we offer detailed analysis and interpretation of results to provide a deeper understanding of mitochondrial health and its implications for cellular aging and rejuvenation.
5. Collaborative Support: Our scientific team works closely with clients from experimental design to data interpretation, ensuring a smooth and efficient research process with personalized support.
Inquiry
Workflow
FAQs
What is mitochondrial membrane potential and why is it important for skin health?
Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is essential for ATP production, which powers cellular processes. In skin cells, a decrease in ΔΨm leads to impaired energy production, increased oxidative stress, and skin aging, contributing to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.
What services do you offer for mitochondrial membrane potential research?
We provide comprehensive services to measure and analyze mitochondrial membrane potential using advanced assays like JC-1, TMRM, and DiOC6. These methods allow us to evaluate the impact of various treatments on mitochondrial health and aging.
How does mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to skin aging?
Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to a decline in energy production, increased ROS, and activation of apoptotic pathways, all of which contribute to cellular aging. In skin cells, this results in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
What technologies do you use to measure mitochondrial membrane potential?
We use fluorescence-based probes like JC-1, TMRM, and DiOC6, along with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, to measure mitochondrial membrane potential in living cells and tissues.
Can you develop custom models to study mitochondrial dysfunction in skin cells?
Yes, we offer custom models tailored to specific research needs, including studying skin aging, oxidative stress, and the effects of cosmetic ingredients on mitochondrial health.
How do I get started with your services?
To begin, simply contact us to discuss your research objectives. Our team will assist in experimental design, model selection, and provide ongoing support to ensure the success of your project.
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Published Data
Fig. 2 Phosphate depletion promotes mitochondrial membrane potential via ADP/ATP carrier in cells without electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase.2
The assembly of respiratory complexes was examined to identify additional factors related to the electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase that contribute to mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Using BN-PAGE, it was observed that in wild-type cells, phosphate depletion led to a modest increase in the abundance of ETC complexes compared to cells grown under normal phosphate conditions (Figure 2A). Treatment with bongkrekic acid in wild-type cells significantly reduced the phosphate depletion-induced enhancement of MMP (Figure 2B). Furthermore, a combination of antimycin A and bongkrekic acid treatment completely blocked the increase in MMP triggered by low phosphate levels (Figure 2B). To further investigate this, rho0 cells, which lack complex III, complex IV, and a complete ATP synthase, were grown under both low and high phosphate conditions. These cells showed a phosphate depletion-induced increase in MMP, which was completely abolished by bongkrekic acid in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 2C). The findings suggest that phosphate depletion enhances MMP through a mechanism independent of the ETC and ATP synthase. Specifically, the ADP/ATP carrier, by importing ATP4- and exporting ADP3-, facilitates a net export of positive charges from the matrix to the intermembrane space (IMS) (Figure 2D).
References
- Tian, Jingwei et al. "Protection of pyruvate against glutamate excitotoxicity is mediated by regulating DAPK1 protein complex." PloS one vol. 9,4 e95777. 22 Apr. 2014, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095777. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
- Ouyang, Yeyun et al. "Phosphate starvation signaling increases mitochondrial membrane potential through respiration-independent mechanisms." eLife vol. 13 e84282. 22 Jan. 2024, DOI:10.7554/eLife.84282. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
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