Optimized Automated Analysis of Live Neuronal Mitochondria Homeostasis Modulation by Isoform-Specific Retinoic Acid Receptors

My research has focused on the area of neuroscience, and in particular, we want to understand the molecular basis of disease. This has led us to look at cells, their structure, and the organelles that carry out the different cellular functions. Increasingly, mitochondria, they have received more and more attention.

Anomalies at the mitochondrial level are becoming absolutely fundamental to understand disease processes, and they may even provide interesting targets for novel drugs or therapeutic strategies. Here at the University of Aveiro, we have been able to develop tools that are of interest to study mitochondria. Not only microscopy and the more traditional approaches, but also we have been able to optimize automated analysis tools coupled with bioinformatic strategies to be able to quantify and provide more detailed analysis when addressing mitochondrial function.

The most recent advances include the machine learning algorithms for image segmentation and quantification of mitochondrial parameters. And also the high throughput imaging platforms and deep learning algorithms for improving accuracy and efficiency of mitochondrial characterization. Technologies currently used to advance the field of mitochondrial analysis include high resolution microscopy, live imaging systems, computational analysis tools coupled with machine learning protocols, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for mitochondrial morphology and biology analysis.

Current experimental challenges in the field of mitochondria include developing reliable and accurate measurements of mitochondrial parameters, considering the heterogeneity of mitochondrial populations, analyzing the interplay between mitochondrial and cellular biology, and developing non-invasive tools for studying mitochondria in vivo. Our tool enhances efficiency and reliability, allowing for a robust automated analysis of mitochondria. Furthermore, we can explore the potential of hyaluronic acid receptor modulation in personalized medicine for mitochondria.