Label-free dynamic imaging of mitochondria and lysosomes within living cells via simultaneous dual-pump photothermal microscopy.

The dynamic activities of mitochondria and lysosomes, which play important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis, were observed without labeling by using highly sensitive photothermal (PT) microscopy. This imaging modality allows for the direct observation of cellular organelles that contain endogenous chromophores, with high temporal and spatial resolution. We identified mitochondria and lysosomes inside living mammalian cells via simultaneous dual-color imaging. Moreover, dynamic imaging revealed that the lysosomes make contact with mitochondria and move between sites within the dynamic mitochondrial network. Since mitochondrial and lysosomal functions are intricately connected, PT microscopy should provide in-depth understanding of cellular functions associated with mitochondria-lysosome communication as well as insights into various human diseases caused by dysfunction of these organelles.