Cellular uptake mechanisms for exogenous mitochondria

Cellular uptake mechanisms for exogenous mitochondria refer to the biological pathways through which cells internalize functional mitochondria from the extracellular environment or neighboring cells. This process is not a single molecular target but a complex set of mechanisms including macropinocytosis, endocytosis, and the formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). In therapeutic contexts, such as mitochondrial transplantation, exogenous mitochondria are delivered to rescue cells with compromised bioenergetics, particularly in tissues affected by ischemia or genetic mitochondrial mutations. While specific proteins like CD38 and Miro1 facilitate this transfer, the overall uptake process is a physiological phenomenon rather than a discrete drug receptor. Research in this area focuses on enhancing these pathways to treat myocardial infarction, stroke, and various neurodegenerative disorders.

Other names

Mitochondrial transfer mechanismsMitochondrial internalization pathwaysExogenous mitochondrial uptakeMitochondrial transplantation pathways

The uptake of exogenous mitochondria occurs through multiple pathways including actin-dependent macropinocytosis, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and extracellular vesicles, aimed at restoring bioenergetics in recipient cells.