Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Mitochondria are vital organelles for human cells with fundamental roles in major metabolic processes such as calcium homeostasis, ATP production, apoptosis and signal transduction. Defective morphology and activity of these organelles have been tightly associated with the pathological onset of severe human disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction has been an area of extensive research encompassing several approaches ranging from pharmacological agents to mitochondrial replacement techniques. Among them, mitochondrial transplantation has been a rapidly evolving approach, especially in the field of cardiovascular dysfunction for the restoration of injured or damaged myocardial cells. Various methods including tunneling nanotubes, nanoblade and "mitopunch" ensure the effective mitochondrial transfer from the donor to the recipient cell, with the internalization of the organelles, via endocytosis, enabling functional restoration. Results of preclinical and clinical trials involving mitochondrial transfer support the application of this technique in improving the function of the myocardium after damage caused by ischemia reperfusion injury. Herein, we discuss the beneficial role of mitochondrial transplantation in cardiovascular diseases and the current technical challenges of mitochondrial isolation, preservation, and targeted delivery, as well as their role in advancing precision medicine, offering a patient tailored therapeutic approach.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27094018
Institution: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W7160188607