Breakthrough in Real-Time Mitochondrial Imaging in Living Organisms

Breakthrough in Real-Time Mitochondrial Imaging in Living Organisms

2025-07-03 photonics

Seoul, Thursday, 3 July 2025.
A new imaging technique developed by Korean researchers allows real-time observation of mitochondrial movement in living tissues, offering insights into disease mechanisms and bioengineering advancements.

Innovative Imaging Technology Unveiled

A pioneering method developed by Professor Jun-Ki Kim and his team at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine employs two-photon excitation microscopy integrated with a radial fluctuation-based super-resolution imaging technique (SRRF). This allows for unprecedented real-time visualization of mitochondrial dynamics within living organisms, drastically improving upon existing resolution by approximately 2 to 3 times. Such advancements are achieved without utilizing additional fluorescent markers or complex equipment, making it a significant milestone in biological and medical imaging [1][2][4].

Significance and Applications

This groundbreaking technique is not merely a scientific curiosity but holds vast applications across fields like bioengineering, pathophysiology, and pharmacological studies. By enabling high-resolution, minimally invasive imaging of mitochondrial movement, researchers can now study various physiological and pathological processes, particularly those related to chronic diseases such as alcoholic liver disease [1][3]. This research, supported by the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Science and ICT, also paves the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by facilitating the monitoring of cellular processes in real-time [3][5].

Potential Therapeutic Insights

Professor Kim’s team also explored the therapeutic potential of compounds like berberine, known for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory effects. Their studies suggest that berberine can mitigate mitochondrial fragmentation and promote structural recovery after alcohol exposure, providing a promising avenue for treating alcohol-induced mitochondrial damage. This positions high-resolution imaging technology as a critical tool in developing natural product-based treatment strategies [3][4].

Future Implications in Medical Research

The implications of this research extend beyond immediate medical applications. By offering a platform to visualize the dynamic changes within cell organelles at a super-resolution level, it opens channels for detailed investigation into metabolic, inflammatory, degenerative diseases, and even cancer. Furthermore, this advancement in imaging technology supports the development of more refined treatment evaluations and disease mechanism studies across various scientific domains [1][2][5].

Bronnen


mitochondrial imaging bioengineering