Label-free, two-photon imaging and transcriptomic studies enable improved metabolic function assessments in living tissues

Label-free, two-photon microscopy (2PM) provides high-resolution imaging of living tissues, revealing metabolic and morphological dynamics without labels. We will highlight the improved metabolic function insights that can be acquired by combining 2PM assessments with transcriptomics data analysis. For example, we combine optical metrics with transcriptomic analysis for high-grade and non-high grade cervical precancers to detail metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting enhanced glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid metabolism. Further, we fuse optical with transcriptomic analyses to detail oxidative stress responses, metabolic changes and interactions in glial cells and neurons in response to concussive injury of engineered brain tissue models.