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Mitochondrial volume homeostasis is a housekeeping function that is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the organelle and as well controlling the function of that organelle. It is known that mitochondrial volume controls the bioenergetic capacity of mitochondria and participates in initiation of cell death cascades. However, not enough is known about the mechanism and extent of mitochondrial volume regulation. Reasons why this topic has not been explored in details earlier (as far as we know) are probably methodological as all currently used methodologies (light scattering, conventional and electron microscopy) have serious limitations and do not allow to monitor the changes in mitochondrial funtion in living cells. However, we have employed in our lab the deconvolutive confocal microscopy allowing us to measure the volume changes of submicron particles that makes this research possible. Moreover, our preliminary results suggest that by changing their morphology mitochondria could issue the mechanical signals that could have impact on cardiac or neuronal function. Thus, the purpose of the present project is to find out how the mitochondrial volume homeostasis is regulated and whether it is related with cardiac contractility and neuronal function. We expect that the results will give answers to several scientifically important questions: In what extent the mitochondrial volume could be regulated? What is the role of mitochondrial volume changes in heart and nervous system? What is the role of mitochondrial volume changes in heart and nervous system? Is the mitochondrial traffic in neurons affected by mitochondrial shape or volume? Could this be the mechanism for controlling the mitochondrial traffic? Is it possible to increase the cardiac contractility by altering the mitochondrial volume? Is that mechanisms affected in cardiac failure? Answers to these questions help us to better understand the cardiac function and the nervous system.
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