Advanced confocal microscopy for imaging mitochondrial health in neurodegeneration
A cutting-edge confocal microscopy technique designed to examine mitochondrial health in live cells, offering insights into mitochondrial dynamics and potential pharmacological interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.
Overview
This project presents an innovative confocal microscopy technique aimed at advancing the understanding of mitochondrial health in the context of tauopathy, a model of neurodegeneration. By providing detailed imaging of mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and membrane potential in live cells, this technology offers a powerful tool for researching mitochondrial quality control. The potential pharmacological modulation of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis explored within this study could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes P301S neuroblastoma cells as a model of tauopathy to study mitochondrial alterations.
- Examines mitochondrial volume, surface area, sphericity, and network complexity.
- Employs Mitotracker Red CMXRos fluorescence to assess mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Incorporates advanced confocal microscopy techniques for live cell imaging, enabling real-time observation of mitochondrial dynamics and potential drug interactions.
- Aims to translate imaging techniques into high-content, high-throughput modalities for drug screening.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this technology has been developed and validated in a controlled research environment. Future plans include applying these imaging techniques to more physiologically relevant cell models and exploring diverse pharmacological interventions to enhance mitochondrial health. This will further validate the technology and move it closer to widespread adoption in the field of neurodegenerative disease research.
About University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is a comprehensive public research university in Falmer, Brighton. Industry engages through the on‑campus Sussex Innovation Centre—an incubator and co‑working hub—and a dedicated Innovation and Business Partnerships team for IP, licensing, consultancy and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Clinical translation is enabled by the joint Brighton and Sussex Medical School with regional NHS partners, and the campus sits within a dynamic creative/digital cluster with fast links to London and Gatwick. Research is supported by UK Research and Innovation councils and Innovate UK, alongside major charities. A structured tech transfer function manages patents, spin‑outs and routes to market.
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