Visualizing Subcellular Vesicles to Quantitate Autophagy in Neuronal Cells

This application note describes the power of quantitating autophagy in neuronal cells. Highlighting the benefits as:

• Accurate segmentation of unlabeled neurites

• Deeper insights into mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease

• Precise discrimination of similar subcellular structures

• Rich data generated by measuring multiple biologies in one well 

The role of autophagy is of particular interest in the study of neuronal cells, where it helps to maintain protein structure and function over long axonal distances. Unlike the cells of other tissues, the cytosolic contents of neurons are not routinely diluted by mitosis. Altered autophagy and accumulation of cellular toxins are seen in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders. These observations have led to the consideration of the various mechanisms of autophagy as potential areas of therapeutic interventions. 

Quantitation of the effects of experimental variables on this process is an essential element of research that may lead to the development of safe and effective treatments targeting autophagy.