The Spark reader's integrated Gas. Control Module (GCMâ¢) is capable of precise regulation of temperature and carbon di
CELL BIOLOGY
A modern elixir of life Scientists at Tokyo University of Technology are searching for foodstuffs that can slow the aging process. Focusing on mitochondrial regulation, researchers from the university’s School of Bioscience and Biotechnology are using cell-based assays to help identify food components with anti-aging properties.
Since time immemorial, people have
production, reducing the amount of
time-course assays. “The ability to
dreamt of discovering ways of holding
food required and limiting the stress on
perform measurements that are
back the aging process. A group of
the body. As many foods contain these
both quantitative and time-based
researchers in Japan are seeking to
organic acids, it is possible to consume
is a great advantage. Previously,
turn this long-held dream into reality,
them as part of a normal diet.”
it was not possible to satisfy both needs simultaneously; it had to
looking at the anti-aging properties of specific foodstuffs. This research
Professor Satoh and his team are
be one or the other. Quantitative
focuses on the effect of various food
screening for compounds that are able
fluorescence measurements made
components on mitochondria, which
to promote mitochondrial activity using
using a conventional microplate reader
are believed to play an important role in determining the survival or death of the cells and are more strongly influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) than other organelles. Professor Takumi Satoh, Head of the Anti-aging Food
aving this quality and breadth of data H makes a real difference when preparing manuscripts for publication.
Laboratory, Advanced Food Course at Tokyo University of Technology’s
microplate-based cellular assays, aided
give satisfactory one-off readings,
School of Bioscience and Biotechnology,
by a Spark® 10M multimode microplate
but there is no capability to make
explained: “I believe that the ability
reader. He continued: “We culture
repeat measurements over time
of food components to activate
adherent cells in microplates and, using
for cell-based assays. Conversely,
mitochondria is important for anti-aging.
a fluorescent dye, we can visualize
fluorescence microscopy is well suited
Consequently, we are searching for
changes in mitochondrial membrane
to measurements over extended time
compounds in food that can enter and
potential and monitor intracellular
periods, but this method can only
stimulate mitochondria directly. We are
ROS levels caused by test compounds.
collect data from a single cell. The
currently investigating various organic
We have initially been working on the
Spark 10M was therefore an important
acids, such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid,
establishment of this method using the
breakthrough for our work. We now
which is from a group of compounds
Spark reader, and have already started
have a microplate reader that makes
known as ketone bodies that have been
to see some exciting results.”
it possible to simultaneously assay a population of cells – measuring
reported to prolong the lifespan of C. elegans. These are relatively small
The Spark reader’s integrated Gas
ROS concentrations or mitochondrial
compounds and, unlike compounds
Control Module (GCM™) is capable
membrane potentials – both
such as glucose, some can enter the
of precise regulation of temperature
quantitatively and temporally, allowing
mitochondria directly without the need
and carbon dioxide concentration,
us to determine everything in one go.
for prior catalysis in the cytoplasm.
which maintains cell health and
We can also run multiple experiments
This results in very efficient energy
allows researchers to perform longer
at once, usually in 24-well microplates.”
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TECAN JOURNAL 2/2016
CELL BIOLOGY
“It is a great benefit for our work to be able to ensure that the cells are alive and healthy for the duration of the assay. Both the temperature and the carbon dioxide concentration can be tightly controlled, allowing complete assays to be carried out under the same conditions as within a cell culture incubator. Until now, this combination of features was not available, so the length of time during which measurements could be taken was very limited.” “Another really good thing is that we can run assays continuously for many hours. A common problem with fluorescence microscopy is the non-specific
Professor Satoh and student Zhang Jian with the Spark reader
background effect, which increases with prolonged exposure time. However, with the Spark 10M, the measurements are made very quickly, minimizing background interference and allowing us to collect data over much longer periods. Having this quality and breadth of data makes a real difference when preparing
To find out more about Tecan’s Spark 10M reader, visit www.tecan.com/spark10m To learn more about the
manuscripts for publication. Moreover,
Tokyo University of Technology’s
its operation is simple, making it very
School of Bioscience and
easy to use, especially when compared
Biotechnology, visit
to some other instruments I have seen.
www.teu.ac.jp/english/
It is very good for our experiments,”
departments/010614.html
Dr Satoh concluded.
TECAN JOURNAL 2/2016
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