Mitochondrial regulation of stem cell osteogenic differentiation: A key driver for bone regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that serve as progenitors for connective tissue and have emerged as a crucial resource in the field of tissue engineering owing to their capacity to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. MSCs-based bone regeneration strategies hold immense therapeutic potential, yet their efficacy is critically limited by inefficient osteogenic differentiation. Mounting evidence positions mitochondria as central regulators of this process, extending beyond their traditional role as cellular powerhouses. Mitochondrial regulation not only influences the induction rate of MSCs differentiation, but also determines the differentiation pathway and the ultimate fate of the resulting cells. To date, research in bone regeneration engineering has predominantly focused on the application of stem cell-based biomaterials, with limited attention given to mitochondrial development. We aim to provide a novel research perspective for targeted mitochondrial interventions in bone regeneration engineering by elucidating the mechanisms through which mitochondria regulate osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.