- high-resolution terminology - matching measurements at high-resolution
Mitochondrial marker
Description
Mitochondrial markers are structural or functional properties that are specific for mitochondria. In isolated mitochondria, protein can be determined as a measure of amount of mitochondria or mt-concentration [mg mt-protein/ml]. However, protein cannot be used as a mt-biomarker in other mitochondrial preparations. A structural mt-marker is the area of the inner mt-membrane or mt-volume determined stereologically, which has its limitations due to different states of swelling. If mt-area is determined by electron microscopy, the statistical challenge has to be met to convert area into a volume. When fluorescent dyes are used as mt-marker, distinction is necessary between mt-membrane potential dependent and independent dyes. mtDNA or cardiolipin content may be considered as a mt-marker. Determination of mitochondrial marker enzymes may be molecular (amount of protein) or functional (enzyme activities). Respiratory capacity in a defined respiratory state of a mt-preparation can be considered as a functional mt-marker, in which case respiration is expressed as flux control ratios.
Abbreviation: mt-marker
Reference: Gnaiger 2014 MitoPathways
MitoPedia methods:
Respirometry
References
>> O2k-Protocols: mitochondrial and marker-enzymes
- Gnaiger E (2009) Capacity of oxidative phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle. New perspectives of mitochondrial physiology. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 41: 1837-45. »PMID: 19467914
- Larsen 2012 J Physiol
- Pesta D, Hoppel F, Macek C, Messner H, Faulhaber M, Kobel C, Parson W, Burtscher M, Schocke M, Gnaiger E (2011) Similar qualitative and quantitative changes of mitochondrial respiration following strength and endurance training in normoxia and hypoxia in sedentary humans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 301: R1078–87. »Open Access
