Mitochondrial Integrity

We’ve been discussing mitochondrial integrity with a Custom Assay partner. They are probing mechanism of action for a compound that affects mitochondrial function, and are interested in assessing the relative integrity of the mitochondrial inner and outer membrane.

We’re using FAPs targeted to the inner and outer surfaces of the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes to understand the effect of purification processes on mitochondrial integrity. Because the Fluorogen and FAP are separate, and because we have developed impermeant dyes, we can use this targeting to assess the stability of these membranes.

But having FAPs targeted to these very specific sub-mitochondrial environments opens up a variety of new applications. When used in combination with Sensor Fluorogens, researchers wil be able to track mitochondrial pH and Ion flux in real time, finally having a precise tool for understanding what’s happening in this cell compartment (is the mitochondria really a cell compartment?) without confounding signals from elsewhere in the cell.