Evaluating mitochondrial length, volume, and cristae ultrastructure in rare mouse adult stem cell populations

Matthew Triolo; Steven Wade; Nicole Baker; Mireille Khacho

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102107

Evaluating mitochondrial length, volume, and cristae ultrastructure in rare mouse adult stem cell populations

STAR Protoc. 2023 Mar 17;4(1):102107. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102107. Epub 2023 Feb 9.

Authors

Matthew Triolo¹, Steven Wade¹, Nicole Baker¹, Mireille Khacho²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Neuromuscular Disease (CNMD), Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
² Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Neuromuscular Disease (CNMD), Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology (OISB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada. Electronic address: mkhacho@uottawa.ca.

Abstract

Since changes in mitochondrial morphology regulate key functions of stem cells, it is important to assess their structure under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here, we present techniques optimized in rare adult muscle stem cells (MuSCs). For evaluating mitochondrial length and volume within a compact cytoplasmic area in MuSCs on intact myofibers, we describe steps for mitochondrial staining, imaging, and quantification. For evaluating mitochondrial ultrastructure in small cell numbers, we describe steps for agarose embedding and quantification by TEM. For complete details on generation and use of this protocol, please refer to Baker et al. (2022).¹.

Keywords: Cell Biology; Metabolism; Microscopy; Stem Cells.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult Stem Cells*
Animals
Cytoplasm
Mice
Mitochondria*
Mitochondrial Membranes
Stem Cells

Grants and funding

CIHR/Canada