Journal Article Review Ahead of print 10 citations
PubMed: 40368738 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2025.04.004
Mitochondrial transfer in endothelial cells and vascular health.
Trends Cell Biol
Authors: Gwang-Bum Im, Juan M Melero-Martin
Affiliations
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
Abstract
Mitochondria play a vital role in cellular energy metabolism and vascular health, with their function directly influencing endothelial cell (EC) bioenergetics and integrity. Mitochondrial transfer has emerged as a key mechanism of intercellular communication, impacting angiogenesis, tissue repair, and cellular homeostasis. This review highlights recent findings on mitochondrial transfer, including natural mechanisms - such as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) - and artificial approaches like mitochondrial transplantation. These processes enhance EC function and support vascularization under pathological conditions, including ischemia. While early clinical trials demonstrate therapeutic potential, challenges such as mitochondrial instability and scaling host-derived mitochondria persist. Continued research is essential to optimize mitochondrial transfer and advance its application as a therapeutic strategy for restoring vascular health.
MeSH
Cell Physiological Phenomena, Cells, Mitochondria, Cell Biology, Endothelial Cells, Therapeutics, Angiogenesis, Vascular Health