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Innovate the way we see life | Tomocube Inc. | March 2025

Unlock Mitochondrial Dynamics

We're excited to share our new application note, providing practical insights into how Tomocube HT-X1 series and AI-powered TomoAnalysis™ 2.0 software enable deeper exploration of mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and function.

Our detailed appplication note demonstrates real-time, label-free, quantitative tracking of mitochondrial fusion and fission events in Hep3B liver cancer cells:

  • The fast dynamics of mitochondria in live cancer cells were captured by the high-speed HT-X1™ Plus holotomography system without the use of any fluorescence labels.
  • Acquired HT images were subsequently analyzed using a prebuilt, AI-based analysis pipeline for mitochondrial automatic segmentation and quantitative measurements.

Schematic figure of inducing, observing, and analyzing mitochondrial dynamics using HT imaging system.

Mitochondrial Dynamics in Real-Time

Case Study 1: Drug-Induced Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion

  • Mitochondrial fusion and fission were induced by treating 50 μM of MPP⁺ and 25 μM of Mdivi-1, respectively, for 1 hour.
  • Individual mitochondria were analyzed and classified into distinct groups based on their length.
  • In fusion-induced cells, the proportion of elongated mitochondria increased, while fission-induced cells showed a increasing ratio of fragmented mitochondria.

Case Study 2: Tracking Mitochondrial Time-Dependent Changes

  • A 32-minute time-lapse imaging at 6-second intervals were performed to track changes in mitochondrial dynamics in real-time.
  • Mitochondrial length analysis results confirmed a progressive increase in fragmented mitochondria following MPP⁺ treatment.

Representative images from normal, elongated, and fragmented groups (left). Mitochondrial length analysis result (right).

Tomocube Solutions to Elevate your Mitochondrial Research

Fast and user-friendly HT-X1 series for reliable and reproducible result

  • Label-free imaging: Preserve mitochondria’s natural state for extended observation.
  • Real-time capture: Tracking rapid changes at intervals of a few seconds.
  • 3D visualization: Get a complete picture of mitochondrial shape and movement.

Streamline your workflow with RI-based, AI-driven TomoAnalysis™ 2.0

  • Smart analysis: Automate your mitochondrial segmentation and quantification through our one-click mitochondria analysis pipeline.
  • Quantitative insights: Utilize advanced AI models (StarDist, ilastik, Cellpose) to extract morphological and biophysical data.