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Preparation of “Functional” Mitochondria: A Challenging Business

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Mitochondrial Medicine

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1264))

Abstract

As the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria play a crucial role in many aspects of life, whereby mitochondrial dysfunctions are associated with pathogenesis of many diseases, like neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, cancer, and metabolic as well as cardiovascular disorders. Mitochondria analysis frequently starts with isolation and enrichment procedures potentially affecting mitochondrial morphology having impact on their function. Due to the complex mitochondrial morphology, the major task is to preserve their structural integrity. Here we critically review a commonly used isolation procedure for mitochondria utilizing differential (gradient) centrifugation and depict major challenges to achieve “functional” mitochondria as basis for comprehensive physiological studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Auf’m Hennekamp 65, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany

    Stefan Lehr, Sonja Hartwig & Jorg Kotzka

Authors
  1. Stefan Lehr
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  2. Sonja Hartwig
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  3. Jorg Kotzka
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stefan Lehr .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA

    Volkmar Weissig

  2. ISANH, Paris, France

    Marvin Edeas

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Lehr, S., Hartwig, S., Kotzka, J. (2015). Preparation of “Functional” Mitochondria: A Challenging Business. In: Weissig, V., Edeas, M. (eds) Mitochondrial Medicine. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1264. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2257-4_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2257-4_1

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2256-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2257-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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