Progress on Mitochondrial Transfer Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cell

Mitochondria are maternally inherited multifunctional organelles, which not only regulate the energy metabolism, but also the survival and fate of stressed cells. Mitochondrial transfer is one of the emerging mechanisms through which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repair injured tissues and facilitate wound healing. Several modes of mitochondrial transfer were discovered, such as formation of tunneling nanotubes, gap junction, microvesicles, cell fusion, and endocytosis. Multiple signaling pathways can promote the formation of tunneling nanotubes for mitochondria trafficking from one cell to another. Different stress signals, such as release of injured mitochondria, mtDNA, and mitochondrial products, or the elevated reactive oxygen species promote the transfer of mitochondria from MSCs to the recipient cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the current literature on mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to neighboring stressed cells, and further discuss the possible mechanisms mediating their intercellular transmission and the therapeutic application in treatment of tissue injury.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2019.09.0018