Optical manipulation of neuronal mitochondria using scanning optical tweezers

Mitochondria play a crucial role in the physiological functions and energy metabolism of neurons, which can help in the understanding of complex biochemical reactions associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons, being highly differentiated terminal cells, require a greater number of mitochondria than ordinary cells to generate significant amounts of ATP, which is necessary for the growth of differentiated neuronal structures like axons and dendrites and the transmission of electrical signals along neuronal axons. Advancements in imaging technology, electrophysiology, and fluorescence targeting labeling have facilitated the study of mitochondrial movements in neurons and axons. However, disordered mitochondrial movements can hinder their analysis and characterization. Thus, it becomes necessary to artificially control their transport. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of scanning optical tweezers (SOTs) on the stable trapping and precise transport of soma or axon of neurons and enable. The presented method provides an optical approach to the control of mitochondria or other organelles in complex and variable biological environment.

Automated summary

Mitochondria play a crucial role in neuronal functions and energy metabolism, aiding in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. The use of scanning optical tweezers enables stable trapping and precise transport of neuronal structures, providing an optical approach to controlling organelles in a complex biological environment.