May the force be with you: Transfer of healthy mitochondria from stem cells to stroke cells
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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

MitoCeption: Transferring Isolated Human MSC Mitochondria to Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Published on: February 22, 2017
Cesar V Borlongan1, Hung Nguyen1, Trenton Lippert1
11 Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, College of Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani, Tampa, FL, USA.
Abstract:
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in the United States and around the world with limited therapeutic option. Here, we discuss the critical role of mitochondria in stem cell-mediated rescue of stroke brain by highlighting the concept that deleting the mitochondria from stem cells abolishes the cells' regenerative potency. The application of innovative approaches entailing generation of mitochondria-voided stem cells as well as pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial function may elucidate the mechanism underlying transfer of healthy mitochondria to ischemic cells, thereby providing key insights in the pathology and treatment of stroke and other brain disorders plagued with mitochondrial dysfunctions.
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