Determination of mitophagy by electron microscope

Mitophagy is an autophagic mechanism for targeting damaged or unnecessary mitochondria and responsible for mitochondria quality control. Emerging evidence revealed that mitophagy is associated with many physiological processes and cellular activities. Therefore, the determination of mitophagy may provide insights into human physiological and pathological processes. Electron microscopy, one of the best approaches, can directly provide the ultrastructure evidence for mitophagy. Here, we detail an experiment protocol for electron microscopy preparation, so as to detect mitophagy in biological samples. Compare with other biochemical techmology, conventional electron microscopy are still essential for strengthening or replacing biochemical methods, and a better understanding of this method could be important to investigate mitophagy.