Assessing Functional Metabolism Using Cells Sourced from Blood Real-time, Kinetic Measurements Link Mitochondrial Function to Disease Diagnosis and Progression

Recent studies have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, a lack of relevant cellular models impedes studies of these pathologies. Obtaining patient samples usually involves a high degree of invasiveness, and these samples may not be sufficient indicators of mitochondrial dysfunction. Alternatively, blood cells or platelets could provide an advantageous option to tissue samples as an accessible source of mitochondria.