Analysis of Age-Related Changes in Mitochondrial-Associated Membranes

Aging is characterized by a multitude of cellular and molecular changes, many of which are believed to involve alterations in mitochondrial function and structure. Sites of close contact between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) or mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) and play an important role in both cell physiology and pathology. MAM has also been studied in the context of different pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and GM1-gangliosidosis. A amount of data links MAM with aging or senescence processes.

Fig. 1 Schematic representation of ER, mitochondria, and MAMs. (Janikiewicz J, et al. 2018)

To address the complexities of MAM analysis during aging, CD BioSciences offers a comprehensive suite of services to help shed light on the changes occurring within these vital cellular structures during the aging process.

Overview of Our Mitochondrial-Associated Membrane Analysis Services

MAM morphology studies

We utilize advanced microscopy and imaging techniques to assess the morphology and structural organization of MAMs during aging. Based on our established technologies, we can identify age-related alterations in MAM morphology, providing crucial insights into the impact of aging on these vital cellular structures.

MAM protein profiling

Our proteomic analysis services enable comprehensive evaluations of the proteins present in MAMs. With a focus on identifying changes in protein composition associated with aging, we aim to elucidate the role of specific MAM proteins in age-related cellular processes. By employing state-of-the-art proteomic techniques, we strive to uncover novel targets for potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

MAM lipid composition analysis

We provide analysis services for the lipid profile of MAMs, to help our clients know how lipid alterations affect mitochondrial function during the aging process. Through advanced lipidomics techniques, we can identify and quantify various lipid species present within the MAMs, including but not limited to phospholipids, cholesterol, glycerolipids, and sphingolipids. By characterizing the lipid composition with high precision, we aim to uncover age-related changes and potentially identify lipid signatures associated with mitochondrial dysfunction during aging.

Workflow of Mitochondrial-Associated Membrane Analysis Services

• Sample preparation
  We isolate mitochondria from the tissue or cell culture samples using standard protocols like differential centrifugation or density gradient centrifugation. Using techniques such as digitonin fractionation or subcellular fractionation, we enrich the MAM fraction from the isolated mitochondria.
• Analysis of MMA morphology, protein compositions, and lipid profiles
  We utilize advanced microscopy techniques, such as confocal microscopy or electron, to visualize the morphology and spatial organization of MAMs within the samples. We also extract proteins from the MAM-enriched fractions and subject them to proteomic analysis, such as mass spectrometry or protein profiling assays. Additionally, we extract lipids from the MAM samples and conduct lipidomic analysis using techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
• Data integration and analysis
  We integrate the morphological, proteomic, and lipidomic data to gain a holistic view of MAM characteristics and alterations. By employing bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis, we identify correlations and potential regulatory networks involving MAM morphology, protein, and lipid profiles.

CD BioSciences is dedicated to advancing the understanding of MAMs and their role in aging through comprehensive and advanced analysis services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.

Reference

1. Janikiewicz J, et al. Mitochondria-associated membranes in aging and senescence: structure, function, and dynamics. Cell Death Dis, 2018, 9 (3): 332.