MitoXpress-Xtra

MitoXpress-Xtra allows convenient, microplate-based analysis of mitochondrial function through oxygen consumption quantification.

Dr Martin Mangold Dr Martin Mangold
Application Specialist, BMG LABTECH HQs
Dr Martin Mangold

Dr Martin Mangold

BMG LABTECH HQs

Application Scientist

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About Dr Martin Mangold

Dr. Martin Mangold works as an Applications Specialist at BMG LABTECH headquarters in Ortenberg, Germany. He studied biology with a focus on biochemistry and cell biology at the University of Bonn before specializing in pharmaceutical sciences and drug interactions in his doctoral studies. During his time in the pharmaceutical department, Dr. Mangold gained expertise in protein sciences, binding and interaction studies, and enzyme kinetics as part of an interdisciplinary team of chemists, pharmacists and biologists. Since 2021, Dr. Mangold has been part of the BMG LABTECH team where he authors application notes, performs training courses and supports scientific customers.

Areas of Expertise

  • Protein science and interaction studies
  • Protein expression and purification
  • Cell biology and cell-based assays
  • Compound screening
  • Enzyme kinetics
  • Biochemistry

Academic Degrees

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PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn
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MSc Degree in Drug Research Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn
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BSc Degree in Biology Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in numerous disease states and is also a major mechanism of drug-induced toxicity. Oxygen consumption is one of the most informative and direct measures of mitochondrial function. Traditional methods of measuring oxygen consumption are hampered by the limitations of low throughput and high complexity.

Fig. 1: Different levels of oxygen consumption displayed by cells treated with antimycin and FCCP as compared to untreated cells

Microplate-based analysis of mitochondrial function

The MitoXpress®-Xtra assay from Agilent Technologies solves these limitations by allowing convenient, plate-based analysis of mitochondrial function. The assay employs MitoXpress®, one of a family of phosphorescent oxygen-sensitive probes developed by Agilent. This time-resolved fluorescence assay is based on the ability of O2 to quench the excited state of the MitoXpress® probe. As the test material respires (e.g., isolated mitochondriacell populationssmall organismstissues, and enzymes), O2 is depleted in the surrounding solution/environment, which is seen as an increase in probe signal. Changes in oxygen consumption reflecting changes in mitochondrial activity are seen as changes in the MitoXpress® probe signal over time.

Fig. 2: Changes in environmental oxygen and their effect on intracellular oxygen concentration

The assay is non-chemical and reversible; a decrease in oxygen consumption (an increase in O2 levels) is seen as a decrease in probe signal. MitoXpress® can be analyzed using VANTAstar®CLARIOstar® Plus, and Omega series fluorescence plate readers in Time-Resolved Fluorescence mode, using standard 96- and 384-well microplates. The MitoXpress®-Xtra assay combines the high data quality and information content of the oxygen electrode approach, with the throughput and convenience of microplate-based assays. These capabilities make MitoXpress®-Xtra the ideal tool for rapid compound screening, IC50 generation, and the application of structure-activity relationship approaches.

Examples on the detection of the MitoXpress®-Xtra assay on BMG LABTECH plate readers are discussed in the application notes: Real-time monitoring of intracellular oxygen using MitoXpress-Intra, Real-time measurement of intracellular O2 in mammalian cells, Measuring changes in cellular metabolism by monitoring extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption in real-time and The CLARIOstar with ACU exposes cells to ischemia-reperfusion conditions and monitors their oxygenation.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the MitoXpress-Xtra assay and what is its primary purpose?

    The MitoXpress-Xtra assay is a fluorescent dye-based test to monitor mitochondrial oxygen consumption in live cells, enabling real-time or endpoint readings on microplate readers. It specifically assesses cellular respiration and metabolic activity in various samples.
  • Why are microplate readers important for MitoXpress-Xtra assays?

    Microplate readers provide precise and consistent detection of signal intensities across multiple samples which and are ideally suited for high-performance MitoXpress-Xtra assays to assess oxygen consumption.
  • How does the MitoXpress-Xtra assay work on plate readers?

    The assay utilizes fluorescent probes that emit signals proportional to oxygen consumption, which are detected and quantified by plate readers to evaluate mitochondrial activity.
  • What are the key advantages of using the MitoXpress-Xtra assay?

    The MitoXpress-Xtra assay offers rapid, sensitive, and non-invasive measurement of mitochondrial respiration, enabling high-throughput analysis with minimal sample preparation.
  • Can the MitoXpress-Xtra assay be used for live-cell analysis?

    Yes, it is suitable for live-cell assays, allowing real-time monitoring of mitochondrial function without compromising cell viability.
  • What are common applications of the MitoXpress-Xtra assay in research?

    The MitoXpress-Xtra assay is widely used in studies related to metabolic disorders, drug screening for mitochondrial toxicity, aging research, and cellular bioenergetics.
  • How do I interpret the results obtained from this assay?

    Results typically include measurements of oxygen consumption rates; higher rates indicate increased mitochondrial activity while lower rates suggest dysfunction or impairment.
  • Do I need special plate types?

    Use black-walled, clear-bottom microplates (suitable for fluorescence) to minimize cross-talk and background. Follow the kit’s recommendations for plate type.
  • Is a kinetic read required?

    Yes. To measure oxygen depletion, set a kinetic read schedule (e.g., every 2–5 minutes) over 1–2 hours, depending on your experiment.
  • Can I use adherent and suspension cells?

    Yes, but ensure proper coating/plate preparation for adherent cells and optimal cell suspension handling for suspension cells to avoid clumping and uneven readings.

 

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