Characterization of mitochondrial dysfunction due to laser damage by 2-photon FLIM microscopy.

Mitochondria are the central organelles in cellular bio-energetics with key roles to play in energy metabolism and cell fate decisions. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging microscopy (FLIM) is used to track metabolic changes by following the intrinsic co-enzymes NAD(P)H and FAD, present in metabolic pathways. FLIM records-lifetimes and the relative fractions of free (unbound) and bound states of NAD(P)H and FAD are achieved by multiphoton excitation of a pulsed femto-second infra-red laser.

Investigation of Mitochondrial Metabolic Response to Doxorubicin in Prostate Cancer Cells: An NADH, FAD and Tryptophan FLIM Assay.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading cancers in men in the USA. Lack of experimental tools that predict therapy response is one of the limitations of current therapeutic regimens. Mitochondrial dysfunctions including defective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer inhibit apoptosis by modulating ROS production and cellular signaling.