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The power and potential of mitochondria transfer

Nature volume 623, pages 283–291 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Mitochondria are believed to have originated through an ancient endosymbiotic process in which proteobacteria were captured and co-opted for energy production and cellular metabolism. Mitochondria segregate during cell division and differentiation, with vertical inheritance of mitochondria and the mitochondrial DNA genome from parent to daughter cells. However, an emerging body of literature indicates that some cell types export their mitochondria for delivery to developmentally unrelated cell types, a process called intercellular mitochondria transfer. In this Review, we describe the mechanisms by which mitochondria are transferred between cells and discuss how intercellular mitochondria transfer regulates the physiology and function of various organ systems in health and disease. In particular, we discuss the role of mitochondria transfer in regulating cellular metabolism, cancer, the immune system, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, mitochondrial quality control, wound healing and adipose tissue function. We also highlight the potential of targeting intercellular mitochondria transfer as a therapeutic strategy to treat human diseases and augment cellular therapies.

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Fig. 1: Mechanisms of mitochondria transfer.
Fig. 2: Functional roles of mitochondria transfer.

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Acknowledgements

J.R.B. is supported by the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 OD028125) and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists (CAMS 1019648).

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  1. Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA

    Nicholas Borcherding & Jonathan R. Brestoff

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N.B. and J.R.B. wrote and approved the manuscript. J.R.B. conceived of the work and supervised its development.

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Correspondence to Jonathan R. Brestoff.

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Competing interests

J.R.B. has pending patent applications related to mitochondria transplantation for the treatment of mitochondrial disorders and lipid metabolism; immunoassays for serum-free light chains; and an immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for LUCA Science, Inc., has consulted for DeciBio and Flagship Pioneering within the past 12 months, and receives royalties from Springer Nature Group. N.B. is a consultant for Santa Ana Bio and an advisor for Omniscope.

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Borcherding, N., Brestoff, J.R. The power and potential of mitochondria transfer. Nature 623, 283–291 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06537-z

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