Mitochondrial Transplantation Increases Dermal Fibroblast Proliferation and Accelerates Acute Wound Closure

Area of Science:

• Mitochondrial biology
• Regenerative medicine
• Wound healing research

Background:

• Dysfunctional mitochondria negatively impact cells and tissues.
• Mitochondria transplantation shows promise for cellular and tissue repair.
• The efficacy of mitochondrial transfer for wound healing requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of healthy mitochondria transplantation in promoting acute wound healing.
• To determine the effects of mitochondria transplantation on fibroblast proliferation and migration.
• To validate the in vitro findings using an in vivo wound healing model.

Main Methods:

• Isolated human dermal fibroblast mitochondria were administered to cultured fibroblasts.
• In vitro scratch wound assays assessed wound closure rates and cell proliferation (MKI67, PCNA).
• Mitochondria from mouse livers were used in an in vivo mouse wound healing model.

Main Results:

• Mitochondria transplantation dose-dependently accelerated in vitro and in vivo wound closure.
• Cell proliferation increased significantly (up to 1.4-fold) following transplantation, but migration markers showed no consistent changes.
• The positive effects of transplantation on wound healing and proliferation were attenuated by antimycin A, a mitochondrial inhibitor.

Conclusions:

• Mitochondrial transplantation effectively accelerates acute wound closure.
• Enhanced fibroblast proliferative activity contributes to the wound healing benefits of mitochondrial transplantation.
• Mitochondrial transplantation represents a promising novel therapeutic strategy for wound repair.