bims-mitrat 2025-06-22 papers

Cancer Biol Med. 2025 Jun 19. pii: j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0596. [Epub ahead of print]

Mitochondrial transplantation sensitizes chemotherapy to inhibit tumor development by enhancing anti-tumor immunity.

Shumeng Lin, Liuliu Yuan, Xiao Chen, Shiyin Chen, Mengling Wei, Bingjie Hao, Tiansheng Zheng, Lihong Fan.

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy is associated with side effects, such as damage to myeloid cells and a reduction in the number of immune cells in patients. In addition, tumor cells hijack the mitochondria of immune cells through tunnel nanotubes, thereby weakening immune ability.
METHODS: In this study the effects of direct mitochondria transplantation on cancer cell proliferation and chemotherapeutic sensitivity were determined, as well as anti-tumor immunity in in vitro and in vivo lung cancer models.
RESULTS: A combination of mitochondrial transplantation and cisplatin chemotherapy was shown for the first time to significantly improve immune infiltration of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and overcome the shortcomings of cisplatin chemotherapy, including damage to myeloid cells and a reduction in the number of immune cells.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study provide valuable recommendations for enhancing immune infiltration and augmenting anti-tumor efficacy during chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. In addition, the findings support "mitochondrial transfer" as a novel paradigm in tumor treatment.

Keywords: Lung cancer; anti-tumor immunity; chemotherapy; cisplatin; mitochondria transplantation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0596

Mol Biomed. 2025 Jun 19. 6(1): 42

Role of mitochondria in physiological activities, diseases, and therapy.

Lilin Wang, Xiaoting Zhou, Tianqi Lu.

Mitochondria are generally considered essential for life in eukaryotic organisms because they produce most of the energy or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) needed by the cell. Beyond energy production, it is now widely accepted that mitochondria also play a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and signaling. The two core processes of mitochondrial dynamics, fission and fusion, serve as crucial foundations for maintaining mitochondrial morphology, distribution, and quantity, thereby ensuring cellular homeostasis. Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) ensures the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria, maintaining quality control. Mitochondrial transport and communication further enhance their role in cellular processes. In addition, mitochondria are susceptible to damage, resulting in dysfunction and disruption of intracellular homeostasis, which is closely associated with the development of numerous diseases. These include mitochondrial diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and stroke, metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, infectious diseases, and the aging process. Given the central role of mitochondria in disease pathology, there is a growing need to understand their mechanisms and develop targeted therapies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mitochondrial structure and functions, with a particular focus on their roles in disease development and the current therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria. These strategies include mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and quality control, mitochondrial genome editing and genetic therapy, and mitochondrial transplantation. We also discuss the challenges currently facing mitochondrial research and highlight potential future directions for development. By summarizing the latest advancements and addressing gaps in knowledge, this review seeks to guide future research and clinical efforts in the field of mitochondrial medicine.

Keywords: Cancer; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial diseases; Mitochondrial homeostasis; Therapy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43556-025-00284-5

Exp Cell Res. 2025 Jun 13. pii: S0014-4827(25)00247-2. [Epub ahead of print]450(2): 114647

Medication targeting to subcellular organelles: Emphasizing mitochondria as a therapeutic marvel-Current situation and future prospects.

Riyad F Alzhrani, Adel Ali Alhowyan, Ehab I Taha, Sabry M Attia, Samir A Salama, Gamaleldin I Harisa.

Subcellular disorders are linked with several diseases, specifically mitochondrial dysfunction linked to age, metabolic disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other mitochondrial diseases (MDs). Intracellular medication delivery is a promising option for effective therapy. This study aims to highlight subcellular delivery with focus on mitochondrial pharmacology, gene therapy, transplantation, and drug targeting. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and other scholarly sources were leveraged to prepare this narrative review. According to current studies, intermittent fasting, consistent exercise, well-balanced diets, and proper sleep can all help to increase mitochondrial quality. Molecular therapies improve mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox status, biogenesis, dynamics, mitophagy, bioenergetic, and sirtuins. The antioxidant supplementation restores endogenous antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid, tocopherols, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 to prevent mitochondrial damage. Mdivi-1, melatonin, resveratrol, PGC-1α agonists, metformin, and Opa1 activators modify the dynamics and biogenesis of mitochondria. Bioactive phytochemicals, including curcumin, berberine, quercetin, and capsaicin, affect OXPHOS and mitochondrial sirtuins. These agents affect gene expression, antioxidant defenses, inflammation, and mitochondrion functions. Therefore, bioactive phytochemicals limit oxidative damage, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve extended cell longevity. Mitochondrial transplantation and gene therapy using mRNA and gene editing technologies are promising treatment options for MDs. Mitoquidone, triphenylphosphine, mitochondrial-targeting peptides, and nanocarriers localize medicines within mitochondrial compartments. In conclusion, a good lifestyle and bioactive materials, alongside mitochondrial medications, gene therapy, transplantation, and drug targeting, could restore overall cellular health.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds; Gene therapy; MDT; Mitochondrial biogenesis; Sirtuins; Uncouplers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexcr.2025.114647

Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025 Jun 20. 16(1): 315

M2 macrophage-derived mitochondrial transplantation promotes periodontal bone regeneration by regulating metabolic homeostasis via activating p38-MAPK signaling pathway.

Yuzhuo Ma, Xiang Han, Ke Yan, Yiyang Yang, Kewei Zhang, Yue Wang, Xuerong Lv, Feiyang Wang, Xiaoqian Wang.

Keywords: Inflammatory microenvironment; M2 macrophages; Metabolic homeostasis; Mitochondrial transplantation; Osteogenic differentiation; Periodontal ligament stem cells

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-025-04444-w