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Biotechnological approaches and therapeutic potential of mitochondria transfer and transplantation

Author

Listed:
  • Gokhan Burcin Kubat

    (Baskent University
    Baskent University)

  • Pasquale Picone

    (Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica)

  • Erkan Tuncay

    (Ankara University
    Ankara University)

  • Leila Aryan

    (Ankara University)

  • Antonella Girgenti

    (Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica)

  • Laura Palumbo

    (Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica)

  • Ibrahim Turkel

    (Hacettepe University)

  • Firat Akat

    (Ankara University)

  • Keshav K. Singh

    (University of Alabama at Birmingham)

  • Domenico Nuzzo

    (Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica)

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to aging and diseases like neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disorders. Mitochondria transfer and transplantation (MTT) represent promising therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring cellular function by introducing functional mitochondria into damaged cells. However, challenges like transfer efficiency, stability, and cellular integration limit clinical application. Recent biotechnological advances—such as liposomes, extracellular vesicles, and surface modifications—enhance mitochondrial protection, targeting, and biocompatibility. This Perspective highlights recent progress in MTT, its therapeutic potential, and current limitations. We also discuss the need for scalable, clinically translatable approaches and appropriate regulatory frameworks to realize the full potential of mitochondria-based nanotherapies in modern medicine.

Suggested Citation

  • Gokhan Burcin Kubat & Pasquale Picone & Erkan Tuncay & Leila Aryan & Antonella Girgenti & Laura Palumbo & Ibrahim Turkel & Firat Akat & Keshav K. Singh & Domenico Nuzzo, 2025. "Biotechnological approaches and therapeutic potential of mitochondria transfer and transplantation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61239-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61239-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shu-Jiao Li & Qian-Wen Zheng & Jie Zheng & Jin-Bao Zhang & Hui Liu & Jing-Jing Tie & Kun-Long Zhang & Fei-Fei Wu & Xiao-Dong Li & Shuai Zhang & Xin Sun & Yan-Ling Yang & Ya-Yun Wang, 2025. "Mitochondria transplantation transiently rescues cerebellar neurodegeneration improving mitochondrial function and reducing mitophagy in mice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    2. Kazuhide Hayakawa & Elga Esposito & Xiaohua Wang & Yasukazu Terasaki & Yi Liu & Changhong Xing & Xunming Ji & Eng H. Lo, 2016. "Transfer of mitochondria from astrocytes to neurons after stroke," Nature, Nature, vol. 535(7613), pages 551-555, July.
    3. Kazuhide Hayakawa & Elga Esposito & Xiaohua Wang & Yasukazu Terasaki & Yi Liu & Changhong Xing & Xunming Ji & Eng H. Lo, 2016. "Correction: Corrigendum: Transfer of mitochondria from astrocytes to neurons after stroke," Nature, Nature, vol. 539(7627), pages 123-123, November.
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