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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

MitoCeption: Transferring Isolated Human MSC Mitochondria to Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Published on: February 22, 2017
Mitochondrial transfer at the crossroads of cancer, stromal, and immune cells
Takamasa Ishino1, Yu Inutsuka2, Hideki Ikeda3
1Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
Abstract:
Mitochondria are organelles that are essential for their multiple roles in cell biology, including energy metabolism. Accumulating evidence has revealed that intercellular mitochondrial transfer occurs within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The mitochondrial transfer among the TME components can profoundly affect tumor progression, immune surveillance, and stromal remodeling. Importantly, cancer cells function not only as recipients but also as donors of mitochondria, underscoring the bidirectional nature of this process. This review summarizes the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in cancer cells, immune cells, and stromal cells, with particular emphasis on emerging insights into mitochondrial transfer. In addition, the current implications of mitochondria-targeting therapies and future challenges in this evolving field are highlighted.
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