Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Regulate Mitochondrial Function: A Novel Strategy for Parkinson's Disease Therapy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. As a critical organelle in eukaryotic cells, mitochondria not only serve as the central hub for energy metabolism but also play a pivotal role in regulating inflammation and cell apoptosis. However, mitochondrial damage leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, and abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn), which collectively contribute to neuronal injury and cell death. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for PD. Exosomes, as extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cells, encapsulate various substances, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Exosomes exhibit inherent targeting ability, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Additionally, the molecular contents within exosomes can regulate the biological responses of recipient cells by modulating cellular functions and signaling pathways. These characteristics of exosomes have contributed to significant achievements in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases over the years. This review explores the latest advancements regarding the impact of stem cell-derived exosomes on mitochondrial function in PD, focuses on the regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction in recipient cells by the exosomal cargo, and presents recent evidence that suggests mitochondrial components within exosomes may facilitate cellular recovery. The aim is to provide new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for PD and to highlight directions for future research.