The Role of Mitochondria in the Detection of Infrared Light Sources by Mammalian Cells
Abstract
We have discovered a novel expression of the function of live mitochondria, which we called Reversible Excitation Light Induced Enhancement of Fluorescence (RELIEF)'. It appears restricted to mitochondria of mammalian cells. Virus infected cultured cells change their expression of RELIEF within hours of infection. Neurons in culture express RELIEF quite strongly and change the expression as they develop, age and degenerate. It offers a simple fluorescence assay that can be completed in minutes. It can be observed in live cells, in the extracellular medium, and in isolated mitochondria. The secretion of the fluorescent material into the extracellular medium led us to a search for the secretory channels. We found a class of new objects which we call I-centers' (water structuring centers) on the cell surface. At present it is not yet clear whether they related to the secretion channels of the RELIEF-related materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403584
Entities
People
- Guenter Albrecht-buehler
- Robert L. Rea
Organizations
- Northwestern University