Abstract
Mitochondria are highly-dynamic organelles. They involved in several cellular functions like respiration and programmed cell death. Mitochondria dynamics determined mitochondria morphology with fission/fusion process. I classified mitochondrial morphology into three types: Hyperfused, Tubular and Fragmented. Theaflavins are the major compounds which are extracted from black tea. In our previous finding, the polyphenol compound Resveratrol from wine was shown to affect mitochondrial dynamics and improve mitochondria functions. In my works, I aim to clarify the effects of theaflavin, also one of the polyphenols from black tea, on mitochondria dynamics in senescent yeast. After theaflavin treatment, the results showed it can reduce the ratio of senescent yeast cells with fragmented mitochondria. I also went further to examine the effects of theaflavin on mitochondria membrane potential and ROS level regulation. Besides, theaflavin can regulate mitochondrial dynamic-related proteins effectively. With qPCR analysis, the morphology result after theaflavin treating can be proved that may related with dynamic-related protein gene expression level. My results provide more details about how theaflavin affects mitochondria in senescent cells. In addition, these results also provide insights of the effects of polyphenol in senescent cells.