ULTRASTRUCTURAL DISSECTION OF MITOCHONDRIA IN NEURODEGENERATION AND CEREBRAL TUMOR

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles surrounded double membrane. They are key for energy production and cellular homeostasis in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria have vital roles in calcium signalling and storage, metabolite synthesis and apoptosis. Therefore a regulation of mitochondrial number, distribution and activity is a key aspect for the maintenance of cell integrity. A proper mitochondrial activity is pivotal to ensure cell survival, since mitochondrial dysfunction is a major hallmark of several pathologic conditions, ranging from neurodegeneration to tumors. Mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondria- selective autophagy (mitophagy) regulate mitochondrial adaptation in response to cell malfunction. Thus, mitochondrial biogenesis and elimination of damaged mitochondria are highly regulated processes and influence both mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Recent evidence indicates that an uncoupling between these processes induces altered mitochondrial function as a common denominator of several pathological conditions. Here by using mitochondrial ultrastructure we describe the mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial fission and mitophagy using in various cells as model for neurodegeneration and cerebral tumor.