title: Imaging of mitochondrial dynamics in motor and sensory axons of living mice.
abstract: Appropriate distribution and supply of mitochondria to critical neuronal sites are thought to be necessary for the normal maintenance of neuronal architecture and activity, including synaptic plasticity and function. Imaging of neurons in vitro has provided understanding of the basic mechanisms of mitochondrial transport and the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. However, in vivo imaging studies of neurons are preferable to in vitro approaches because of the advantage of being performed in their natural environment. Here, we present useful protocols to image and study axonal transport of mitochondria in vivo, in the peripheral nerves of mice. Imaging in motor and sensory axons of living mice allows researchers to analyze mitochondrial dynamics in two distinct neuronal populations that are often affected in peripheral neuropathies.
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bolea
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Wen-Biao
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Gan
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manfedi
authors.affiliation: Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, USA. Electronic address: jom2025@med.cornell.edu.
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Magrané
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic / Q000601:surgery*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D063154:Mitochondrial Dynamics; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism
keywords: Axonal transport; Dendra; In vivo imaging; MitoDendra mouse; Mitochondria; Motor neurons; Peripheral neuropathies; Photoactivation; Sensory neurons