Goal of the MitoMobile
The goal of the MitoMobile is to conduct field-based research centered around the powerhouses of the cell, mitochondria.
Importance of Mitochondria
Mitochondria are essential to our ability to move and function, impacting every aspect of health and performance. Without mitochondria, the food that we eat and the air that we breathe would be useless. Mitochondria are also closely related to issues of disease in humans and animals. Research has shown that they play key roles in cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Studying Mitochondria
To measure mitochondrial function, you must have active tissue samples. From the time you collect these samples, you have at most two hours to get any useful information. The MitoMobile allows us to go anywhere to collect active tissue, rather than being isolated in a lab on campus. We can also use the MitoMobile to study mitochondria from human biopsies in specific communities, for example. The MitoMobile takes us where the action is.
Future Plans
Future research involving the MitoMobile tentatively includes mitochondrial function during the migration of birds and the continuation of research on reproduction and lactation.