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11:13
MitoCeption: Transferring Isolated Human MSC Mitochondria to Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Published on: February 22, 2017
Mitochondrial transfer between eukaryotic animal cells and its physiologic role
1Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. attilacsordas@gmail.com
Rejuvenation Research
|November 16, 2006
Summary
Mitochondrial transfer between cells in vitro can rescue respiration in deficient cells. Researchers propose two hypotheses for this mitotransfer, favoring a model where healthy mitochondria move to damaged cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Mitochondrial biology
- Cellular respiration
Background:
- Mitochondrial transfer among cells in vitro has been observed.
- This transfer can restore respiratory function in deficient cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms and physiological roles of mitochondrial transfer (mitotransfer).
- To differentiate between the transfer of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) versus whole mitochondria.
- To evaluate two distinct hypotheses for the directionality and purpose of mitotransfer.
Main Methods:
- Review and discussion of recent experimental findings on cellular mitochondrial transfer.
- Analysis of hypotheses regarding the transfer of functional mitochondria between cells.
Main Results:
- Mitochondrial transfer can rescue respiration-deficient cells.
- The exact form of transferred material (mtDNA vs. whole mitochondria) and transfer mechanism (cytoplasmic vs. vesicular) remain to be fully elucidated.
- Two models for mitotransfer are proposed: the 'entropy' scenario (healthy to damaged cells) and the 'selfish' scenario (damaged cells to healthier hosts).
Conclusions:
- The 'entropy' scenario, involving transfer from healthy to damaged cells, is presented as the preferred hypothesis.
- Further research is needed to definitively determine the mechanisms and physiological significance of mitotransfer.
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