A New Bioluminescent Probe to Monitor Mitochondrial Health Over Time: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is a key indicator of mitochondrial health and is involved in diseases like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. This study introduces a new bioluminescent probe called mitochondria-activatable luciferin (MAL) that detects ΔΨm and, to some extent, plasma membrane potential (ΔΨp). MAL allows non-invasive, real-time monitoring of mitochondrial function both in lab cultures and living animals. Using MAL, researchers observed that aging reduces ΔΨm in mice, but treatment with nicotinamide riboside (NR) reverses this decline. The probe was also used to study brown fat activation and mitochondrial changes in cancer models. This tool offers new ways to understand mitochondrial function and develop treatments for various diseases.

Journal

Nature Chemical Biology