Analysis and Modeling of Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion Processes in Cells From Healthy and Trisomy Patients

Mitochondria play a vital role in many cell functions, including ATP production, modulation of Ca2+ signaling and apoptosis. The homeostasis of the fission and fusion of the mitochondrial network allow for healthy cellular function. If the homeostasis of fission and fusion processes becomes unbalanced, the mitochondria can no longer supply enough ATP nor process the calcium ions which leads to apoptosis. Mitochondria's role in apoptosis makes it a possible target for curing neurodegenerative diseases . The causes behind the progressive degeneration of neurons are not yet understood, beyond a correlation with age, an understanding of the details of mitochondrial function and structure is crucial for better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial reticulum structure and function are altered due to conditions like Trisomy 21. We investigate the difference rates of fission and fusion, cluster size and mean degree of healthy and Trisomy mitochondria reticulum. We present a model of the dynamic mitochondrial reticulum, and deduce fission and fusion rates from a single image. This process can be used to deduced the fission and fusion rates of mitochondrial networks with different neurological disease to understand the exact mechanisms these diseases.