Protocol for evaluating mitochondrial morphology changes in response to CCCP-induced stress through open-source image processing software

Abstract

Summary: Mitochondrial morphology is an indicator of cellular health and function; however, its quantification and categorization into different subclasses is a complicated process. Here, we present a protocol for mitochondrial morphology quantification in the presence and absence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone stress. We describe steps for the preparation of cells for immunofluorescence microscopy, staining, and morphology quantification. The quantification protocol generates an aspect ratio that helps to categorize mitochondria into two clear subclasses.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Nag et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Cell Biology
• Cell culture
• Metabolism
• Microscopy
• Molecular/Chemical Probes